Black Cabs in London are usually very expensive to get from one place to another – especially for a single passenger and this means some people will try to steer clear of them when possible to save money.
Although they appear to be quite expensive, you are probably less likely to be in danger when in a licensed black cab – all black cabs are licensed with the driver required to pass a criminal records check.
Sadly, the very people who are likely to chance travelling in an unlicensed cab – passengers travelling alone, who may not be able to afford a full fare – are the most at risk.
When riding in a London taxi, next time request a receipt and you should notice a note at the bottom.
In bold capital red letters, it says “WARNING” and below this it also says in black lettering;
Every year in London there are 100’s of rapes and sexual assaults, plus 1000’s of robberies committed by unlicensed minicab drivers.
Don’t be a victim; only use a traditional licensed taxi.
REMEMBER NO TAXI SIGN MEANS IT’S NOT A TAXI.
This also leads on to the fact that if you are involved in a collision whilst riding in an unlicensed taxi and are injured, you will struggle to obtain compensation, as they are unlikely to be covered with the correct taxi insurance.
Both Black Cabs and private hire minicabs are subject to strict licensing.