Last year over 200 women were sexually assaulted by illegal minicab drivers and out of 233 serious offences committed by illegal minicab drivers. 80 per cent were linked to cabs picking up clients in the West End.

Findings from a recent TfL survey of Londoners out late in the West End showed that 50 per cent of respondents believed that minicabs were allowed to pick them up if approached in the street. This is in fact, illegal and you should never accept a ride with someone who ‘touts’ for your business.

In a presentation to some of the first minicab drivers to gain their licences Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said:

“It is very concerning that Londoners don’t realise the risks they take by picking up a minicab in the street. It is time that minicab touting became a recordable offence and I have written to the Home Secretary inviting him to make the necessary regulations.”

Top of the Pops presenter and TV personality Sarah Cawood feels so strongly about the use of these dangerous touts that she has become involved with the campaign. Being a girl about town, she is more than aware of how easy it is to be lulled into an illegal mincab when all you want to do is get home after a night on the tiles.

As part of the clampdown on illegal touts, the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU), a unique partnership between TfL and the Met, has increased the number of dedicated officers available to enforce the law relating to taxis and minicabs. The number of operations to stamp out illegal touting activities will increase significantly throughout 2003/4, taking more and more touts off the streets.

The “Don't put yourself at risk” campaign encourages people out and about in the West End to always use a licensed minicab, taxi, or Night bus. Whatever you do, don’t put yourself at risk.

Look out for the campaign around the West End in bars and late night venues. For more information call 020 7222 1234