Late one November night in 2003, 20-year-old Stephanie Hammill was with her fiancé when they flagged down what proved to be an unlicensed cab in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
She got in first and the car sped off before her fiancé could join her.
Clearly terrified of being attacked or abducted, she jumped from the moving cab and was struck and fatally injured by another car.
This tragic case highlights the “deadly danger” of bogus cabs.
The Scale of the Unlicensed Taxi Problem in Cities
The website Taxiregister.com refers to startling statistics from London that:-
- about 10 women are attacked each month after taking an unlicensed minicab; and
- 80% of “stranger” rapes are committed by unlicensed cab drivers.
Unlicensed Taxis in Moray
In a rural area, it is easy to be oblivious to the dangers posed by bogus cabs.
In July 2013, the Moray Council gave out a warning about unlicensed taxis operating in Buckie.
In Moray, a licensed taxi can be identified by the taxi plate which is displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Legitimate taxi drivers had complained about the loss of business and revenue but, as Council officials highlighted, there can be significant safety concerns associated with unlicensed taxis. The whole point of having an authorisation system is to ensure that taxis are safe for carrying members of the public and that the drivers are fit and proper people who are unlikely to pose a danger to passengers or other road users.
The problem is greatest for late night revellers, whose judgement will often be impaired by alcohol.
“Martians with Green Tentacles”
John Thompson, National Secretary of the National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers, got to the heart of the problem when he said: “At two o’clock in the morning, when people want to get home, they wouldn’t care if the driver was a green Martian with tentacles.”
He said that, ultimately, it is up to the public to act responsibly: “If you’re going to get in a car, make sure it’s licensed: it could save your life.”
Sensible Precautions
Taxiregister.com provides some sound advice to minimise risks if you need to use a taxi.
- Plan ahead. When you are going out, make sure you know how you are going to get back home and who will be with you. It is better to plan your transport options while you are still sober and have your wits about you. Finding yourself alone miles from home in the early hours is a situation you want to avoid.
- Book in advance. Pre-booking a taxi will avoid last-minute – and possibly risky – decisions. Book with a firm that someone you know uses regularly. Try and find a service that uses text or call-back to let you know when the taxi is arriving.
- Keep taxi numbers to hand. Have about three numbers stored in your mobile and keep a separate hard copy in case you misplace your phone. If you are out at a venue and do not have any numbers handy, ask a member of staff to recommend a licensed firm. Do not accept lifts from strangers.
- Be as discreet as possible. Try not to be overheard when you order a cab. If someone overhears your details, they could pretend to be the taxi you ordered.
- Find out the price. Get a quote for the cab fare over the phone so that you can have enough money set aside. Private-hire minicabs do not have to have meters and there are no price limits, so always check the price again before getting in.
- Get vehicle details if possible. When you book, ask if they can tell you the make and colour of vehicle as well as the cab driver’s name.
- Tell someone else your plans. If you are travelling to meet a friend, give them the name of the taxi company, where you are being picked up from and what time you expect to get there.
- Check it’s YOUR cab. When the taxi arrives, ask the driver to confirm the booking details. It is safer to ask “Who is this cab for?” than “Is this the cab for _____ ?” Ask to check their ID to make sure they are from the company you booked through. If you feel unsure about a driver, ideally, don’t get in to their vehicle.
- Sit in the back. The safest seat is the one behind the driver as you are furthest out of reach. If a group of you are taking the taxi, ensure that the last person to be dropped off sits there. Keep your belongings on your person.
- Careful what you say. If you chat to the driver, don’t give away any personal information. Keep to general subjects of conversation.
- Use your mobile. If you feel nervous, an idea is to phone a friend or simply pretend to do so. This will make it less likely that anything untoward will happen. If you are seriously concerned about anything, phone the police.
- When you have reached your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are inside. They should be willing to do this because it will make it more likely you will use their service again in future.
