Boris Johnson pledges crackdown on London's illegal taxi touts » Communities » 24dash.com

Mayor of London Boris Johnson will ask Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police to press ahead with plans to crack down on illegal cabs.

Last week the Mayor took part in a fact finding mission where he saw the extent of the problem for himself.

Boris Johnson said: "There are taxi touts on the streets of the capital every night.

"They circle the hot spots of London to hunt their prey - innocent Londoners enjoying a good night out who may not be aware that these vehicles are not properly insured and pose a real danger to anyone tempted to use them.

"I was saddened to see these touts brazenly flouting their wares and I have asked my team to press ahead with our plans to tackle these tyrants.

"I am determined to ensure that every man and woman in this city can feel safe when they travel around London. From the moment they leave their home to the moment they return they should be able to travel in confidence. Removing touts from our streets will be another step in the right direction."

The Mayor was accompanied on his fact finding trip by Grant Davis, Chairman of the London Cab Drivers' Club, and Yvonne Trayner, Chief Executive of the Rape and sexual abuse support centre in Croydon. They toured central London in a licensed taxi to see locations where illegal cabs tout for business.

Plans to crack down on illegal cabs include:

• Doubling the number of dedicated cab enforcement officers from 34 to 68.
• More high profile operations aimed at preventing touting.
• A 'one strike' rule that would mean any licensed driver convicted of touting would immediately have their licence revoked.
• A major reason for the crackdown is the Mayor's concern regarding the risk illegal cabs may pose to women.

The Mayor added: "If there is one message I want to get out there it is that women must never travel in an illegal cab as there is always a better option. It is important that women pre-book their cabs from licensed firms and Transport for London has a marvellous text service called Cabwise.

"Just text HOME to 60835 and you will receive the numbers for local 24 hour licensed operators - one taxi and two minicab firms. It is a number everybody should save onto their phone.”