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Rape Alert over illegal cab drivers in London UK - reported in the press Nov.11.04 These statistics are truly appalling. The one positive thing that can be said about them is that at least they have been falling year on year since 2001. Currently illegal, unlicensed minicab drivers rape or sexually assault at least 11 women a month in London. About 36 rapes and 120 sex attacks were committed by bogus drivers last year according to official figures announced by Mayor Ken Livingston as he launched a new campaign to alert women to the dangers of unlicensed minicabs in the run up to the Christmas & New Year celebrations. The Mayor said; "It is vital that we continue to work to eradicate illegal minicabs and keep improving late-night travel in London." RLPN Editor's comment: Let's get one thing clear. The vast majority of the monsters who are perpetrating these horrendous attacks aren't really minicab drivers at all. Any money they make from actually taking a fare from A to B is just a bonus for them and helps to fund their clearly premeditated crimes. Licensed minicab drivers & Taxi cab drivers may, I fear in few cases also pose a potential danger to women as individuals, but are very unlikely to be crazy enough to endanger their livelihoods by committing sex crimes when on the job. If you are new to London life, or just naive about it, here's my advise. Whenever possible use Taxis Cabs that look like this: They are usually black and always have this very distinctive look & design, and a few of the drivers are women. Make sure the Taxi is actually what it appears to be, because there are a few of these vehicles in use as private cars; something which I don't really think should be allowed in light of this very serious issue. I have never heard, however, of anyone using one of these vehicles for criminal purposes. They should always have a meter clearly on view through the front windscreen to the left (his left) of the driver's seat and the driver's photo and ID details should also be clearly displayed inside the passenger area.. This is the only type of Taxi in London that can legally tout for fares. There is always a for hire display that lights up amber above the middle of the windscreen. It will be lit when the Taxi is available to take a fare, and turned off when it is not. Minicabs, generally look like regular saloon cars and  they are not allowed to tout for fares - it is illegal. All their business should come via passenger phone calls to their head office which relays the pick up details to the driver. Then he, or possibly she will come to where you are and pick you up. Lack of a two- way radio device in a 'minicab' is a clear signal of potential danger. Never get into a vehicle that doesn't have one. Don't believe a driver that tells you he has one but it's not working. A two- way radio is not however to be taken as an assurance of complete safety. Far from it. Just don't get into a 'minicab' that's hanging around outside a late night club, on your own, or even if it's you and one other female friend. It's just not worth the risk. You're safer traveling on a night bus or even walking. These criminals take advantage of widespread fear among women of walking in London late at night. I'm not saying that is a risk free occupation, again, far from it, especially if you have had too much to drink. But it is safer than getting into some stranger's car, just because he tells you he is a minicab. I'm sure many women, whatever their sexual persuasion, would welcome a women's only minicab service, staffed exclusively by women drivers, being widely available late at night in London. If there is such a thing anywhere I don't know of it's existence, so that means it's not 'widely available'. Perhaps some enterprising person will get to read this and set one up. You could make a fortune I think if you do it properly. (PLEASE SEE UPDATE BELOW) What's the situation like where you live? Do you have women only cabs where you live? Any other useful comments concerning this topic or any other issue you would like to raise here? Please email Geri about it. Women's Only Taxi Services Many Thanks to Sam for letting us know about: Safe Connexions www.safe-connexions.co.uk A new women only taxi service in Theale, Berkshire, UK. Sam says this service has become very popular almost over night. Expect to see new posts here soon. .

Gender Issues