Virgin Train

[TracyTN 237]

Erm...I don't recall saying ALL mini cabs were dodgy. We were discussing ways of getting from A-B in London for visitors. I took mini cabs and black cabs every day when I worked and lived in London so I didn't think there was any harm passing on some decent advice. I would have thought it was pretty clear I was referring to those that pick up in the street. Near enough all of these ARE dodgy. I'm sure the 1000s of women that have been attacked by these men would have liked that reminder before getting in the 'cab'. You should either book a mini cab in advance through a reputable company which is hard if you're not a local, or you can take a black cab to be safe.

Happy now?

'Most of them' or 'all' - I guess there is a slight difference there.

FWIW, I have never heard about '1000s of women' have been attacked by mini cab drivers who picked up fares in the streets. This might explain why I've heard this implication before (that mini cab drivers are criminals). I think its important to know, too, that mini cab drivers now have to undergo the exact same checks as the famed - and apparently undodgy - black cab drivers.

If you were referring ONLY to ones who pick up fares in the street, then I guess I somehow missed that when I read this from your post: "Avoid minicabs -- as far as I can remember it's illegal for them to pick up fares on the street (though this may have changed), and most of them are probably not registered. Well dodgy!"

Booking a cab through a reputable company and making sure the cab is registered with the PCO are obviously good tips to live by.

Happy now? I know I am.

[Lou Lou 1]

'Most of them' or 'all' - I guess there is a slight difference there.

FWIW, I have never heard about '1000s of women' have been attacked by mini cab drivers who picked up fares in the streets. This might explain why I've heard this implication before (that mini cab drivers are criminals). I think its important to know, too, that mini cab drivers now have to undergo the exact same checks as the famed - and apparently undodgy - black cab drivers.

If you were referring ONLY to ones who pick up fares in the street, then I guess I somehow missed that when I read this from your post: "Avoid minicabs -- as far as I can remember it's illegal for them to pick up fares on the street (though this may have changed), and most of them are probably not registered. Well dodgy!"

As I said we were discussing ways of getting from one place to another which involved hailing cabs on the street. Perhaps that didn't come across clear enough for you from my whole post, but doesn't really matter now, does it?

I know mini cab drivers have to undergo the same checks. One of my drivers in London was an ex mini cabbie and bemoaned about how much it cost too. And yes, 1000s of women are attacked each year by men posing as mini cab drivers in London. Unfortunately it's something women fall prey to when they think they're trying to get home 'safely'. Half of them are probably not even reported. Just watch them hanging out up The Strand or through Soho at 2am and you'll see what I mean. The police can't keep up with them.

Not that I am implying the OP will be doing the same, but anyone could easily get into a pickle if trying to get a cab became a desperate measure.

Peace

[Lou Lou 1]

Would like to edit that the 1000s per year was an exaggeration After doing a quick google it's actually an average of 10 sexual assaults and rapes carried out by illegal minicab drivers reported per month. I personally know 6 women who did not report the crimes, so how many more were there? Very sad.

[Lou Lou 1]

Would like to edit that the 1000s per year was an exaggeration After doing a quick google it's actually an average of 10 sexual assaults and rapes carried out by illegal minicab drivers reported per month. I personally know 6 women who did not report the crimes, so how many more were there? Very sad.

Typical quick googling. In 2005 there were a total of 140 reported crimes. This year the average has gone up to 18 per month

[Boiler 45,403]

Having lived in and around London most of my life there is a major proble will dodgy mini cabs, Seemed that hardly a day went past without a news report.

Unfortunately many are of the direputable end of the spectrum.

I have a friend who was a mini cab driver but did the knowledge.