London

A real taxi

We want to warn you about the dangers of taking an unlicenced taxi cab in London.

A licensed taxi is a car which has been designed for the purpose of carrying paying passengers. Services are usually regulated by the local government. A taxi can be found at a taxi rank or can be called while on the road by raising your hand towards the driver. In London a licensed taxi is known as a black cab (it is not always painted black). These taxis should be safe, and the drivers know London roads well.

We have spoken to someone who has experienced the danger of taking an unlicenced minicab and want to warn you.

Brian, a 30 year old City worker, was out on a rainy Saturday night in the West End and on leaving the bar decided to get a cab home. It was just after midnight and due to the rain, all the taxis passing were unavailable.
A car pulled up and the smiling driver told Brian he was a mini cab driver and he would take his fare. As this is a fairly common thing in London, Brian got in, told him where to drive and relaxed.
Next thing, the car took him to a quiet street, dragged Brian out of the cab, threatened him and pushed him towards a cash machine. Now Brian is a fitness enthusiast and can normally handle himself but the driver was a 6 foot plus heavily built black guy who looked very dangerous.

Brian was forcibly made to withdraw over 500 pounds fom two credit cards. The driver then hit him in the face and drove off.

The moral of this story is DO NOT USE UNLICENCED TAXIS IN LONDON.

A minicab driver is not allowed to pick up customers directly from the road: if you do travel in a minicab that has not been booked you will not be covered by the vehicles insurance, and you may be putting yourself at personal risk.