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Minicab touts face losing licence under 'three strikes' plan
Evening Standard25 Feb 2008
A rule of "three strikes and you're out" for minicab touts has been attacked as too lenient.
The policy, suggested in a London Assembly report, calls for private taxi drivers to be stripped of their licence if they are caught touting for passengers three times.
Legitimate minicab companies say touts should lose their licence the first time they are caught.
London's 40,000 private taxi drivers are only allowed to carry customers who have pre-booked, but rogue elements of the trade are breaking the rules by touting on the streets.
The capital is also plagued by unlicensed uninsured cab drivers who are often linked to other crime.
The report by Assembly member Peter Hulme Cross also said seven sexual offences involving minicabs take place in the capital each month.
He added that work by the Cab Enforcement Unit had led to 3,800 arrests for touting and a 46 per cent drop in cab-related sexual offences.
Mr Hulme Cross said that revoking licences would send a "clear signal to drivers that touting is unacceptable".
But the minicab industry claimed it did not go far enough. Steve Wright, chairman of the London Private Hire Car Association, said: "This is like trying to put out the great fire of London with a water pistol. We want far tougher action against this touting plague that has become a national disgrace.
"You cannot walk more than 50 yards in the West End in the evening without someone offering you an illegal cab. There is nowhere near enough enforcement action."
Mr Hulme Cross's proposals are expected to be approved by the London Assembly on 11 March.
Reader views (2)
What about unregistered cab drivers who happily crawl the pavements of central London picking up folks who are the worse for wear after a night out? Have these guys got a driving licence, insurance etc., I think not.
I don't think anyone will be quaking in their boots over this.
- Pete, N1, 26/02/2008 12:07
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Three Strikes and yr Out - Mini Cab Drivers!
- Gmc.Clement, London, 25/02/2008 22:39
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