Illegal v. Legal minicabs???

[TZMOM]

I've found a site that shows you how to get to the sights in London from various tube stops. There is an article on that site about women being sexually assaulted by illegal minicab drivers in the West End. Can anyone tell me the difference between legal and illegal? The article made it sound like people who live and play there all the time are confused.

I can't imagine that my 14 y.o. and me will be out really late, but just concerned and I don't want to put myself in a bad situation.

Thank you for your help!!

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by TZMOM
Can anyone tell me the difference between legal and illegal minicabs?

The rule in London is that ONLY the proper London Black Cabs are allowed to cruise the streets looking for fares. These are legal.

Minicabs in London are NEVER allowed to pick you up on the street, unless they have been booked in advance, although some minicabs 'hang out' at nightclubs at closing time. This is illegal. A minicab can only pick you up if you phone their office first and the despatcher sends one to collect you. Either use black cabs, or ask your hotel to give you a phone number of a registered minicab company to call. If eating out, ask the restaurant to get you a minicab.

Andrew

 

[WDWFOREVER]

I'm biased - my husband is a black taxi driver in London. The illegal minicabs are just guys in private cars, often with no insurance, who "tout", i.e. pick-up, on the street. As Andrew said, only black cabs are allowed to "ply for hire", that is, pick someone straight from the street after being hailed. I would urge anyone to only use black cabs. They are police checked nowadays and are licensed by the Carriage Office. Frequently minicabs do not know where they are going whereas my husband studied for 2 long years to get his "bill" or licence.

Jackie