Taxiwise Highlights The Growing Concern Of Unlicensed Taxis

A recent attack on a woman by a bogus taxi driver in Milton Keynes has highlighted once again the importance of being able to differentiate between a licensed taxi and an unlicensed vehicle.

The woman was attacked in the early hours of the morning as she arrived outside her home in Milton Keynes by the driver of the vehicle that she thought was a ‘taxi’ that she used for her journey home.

The incident is the third attack by a bogus taxi driver reported over the last year in Milton Keynes. However, whilst these three individual cases have been reported, many other attacks may have gone unreported, says Taxiwise.

Bob Brill, a Councillor for Milton Keynes said, "As the city is continuing to grow and develop it is an increasing concern that more attacks will occur and we are currently working closely with Thames Valley Police to clamp down on this issue.

"It is however vitally important for members of the public to be cautious and ensure that where possible they get into a licensed vehicle so as to ensure that they are as safe as possible."

Matthew Cheyne, Sales and Marketing Director for LTI Vehicles and a spokesman for Taxiwise commented, "This recent incident highlights how important it is to educate people on how they can identify vehicles which are safe and legal to transport them.

"A purpose-built taxi is instantly recognisable by its unique shape and it is safe and legal to hail them from the street or a designated rank. "

Thames Valley Police are aware of the previous attacks and are working with Milton Keynes Council to clamp down and offer the following advice,

• Always use a reputable mini-cab or private hire firm and book at their office or by telephone.
• Remember - only licensed Hackney Carriages are allowed to pick people up in the street without them making a booking first.
• Ensure that the taxi which arrives is the one you ordered. If you gave your name at the time of booking, get the driver to repeat it and look for their identification.
• If traveling on your own always sit in the back behind the driver.
• If you feel uneasy about the driver, just don’t get in.
• If you feel uneasy once you are in the taxi, ask the driver to let you out at a busy, well-lit place.
• Keep your mobile phone with you at times.