|
8 out of 10 people have little
knowledge of what Taxis and Minicabs are legally allowed to do
THE majority of people in North England could be at risk
of using illegally operating or 'fake' vehicles because they have little
knowledge of how Taxis and Private Hire vehicles (Minicabs) can legally operate,
according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
The poll reveals that 77% of people in North England say that they have little
or no knowledge about what Taxis and Minicabs are legally allowed to do. Only
15% of people feel knowledgeable about how Taxis and Minicabs can legally
operate.
Most worryingly, people do not know what Minicabs are legally allowed to do when
picking up passengers. Although all Private Hire vehicles must be pre booked by
law, 24% of people think that Minicabs can be hailed on the street, and 29% of
people believe Minicabs can take passengers who approach them while parked.
This is concerning as licensed Minicab drivers that pick up unbooked passengers
are committing a criminal offence, and drivers that operate without a licence
pose a serious risk to passenger safety. These illegal drivers and their
vehicles are not subject to regulations, checks and journey recording. They are
uninsured, unsafe and could be linked to more serious crimes, such as assault,
rape and robbery.
In the North, the survey results suggest that illegal and unsafe touts may be
able to pick up unsuspecting passengers. 41% of people have taken a Taxi or
Minicab without checking for a licence on the vehicle 1st, and 55% have taken
a Taxi or Minicab without asking to see the driver's ID badge 1st.
Furthermore, 4% of people in the North admit that they have used a Taxi or
Minicab that they knew was illegal, in comparison to 7% in London.
The poll, which is released just after fresher's week, also revealed that
students are the least clear about the difference between Taxis and Minicabs.
87% of students say that they have little or no knowledge about what Taxis and
Minicabs are legally allowed to do. As prominent customers of the night time
economy, this makes students one of the most vulnerable groups using Taxis and
Minicabs.
These statistics, which are published on:- 'National Personal Safety Day,' raise
personal safety concerns around illegally operating Private Hire vehicles. If
people are unaware of how Taxis and Minicabs can legally operate, they are
unable to check vehicles are acting legally, and cannot make a safe and informed
choice.
Suzy Lamplugh Trust advises anyone using public transport to plan their journey
before they go out, and to share information about their journey with someone
they trust. If you're using a Taxi or Minicab, check that a Taxi or Minicab
licence is displayed on the vehicle, and ask to see the driver's badge, before
you start your journey. If you're using a Minicab, remember it must be booked in
advance. Always trust your instincts; if you feel worried or threatened, ask the
driver to stop in a busy area, so you can get out.
Rachel Griffin, Chief Executive of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, commented:-
'People have the right to be able to choose between the modes of transport they
use, and to be safe when doing so. We are concerned that many people are unaware
of the difference between Taxis and Minicabs, and may therefore not have the
knowledge to make safe choices about which vehicles to use. It is important that
people are informed about their choices, and can easily identify licensed
vehicles and distinguish between Taxis and Minicabs in their area. Licensed
Taxis and Minicabs are regulated, and each type of vehicle must abide by rules
which help to keep passengers and drivers safe. It is never a victim's fault if
they are assaulted or experience aggression as a result of using a Taxi or
Minicab, and any reports or concerns about drivers should be taken seriously by
the Police. Violent and aggressive incidents which take place on public
transport are completely unacceptable, and perpetrators must be held to account
for their actions."
James Button, President of the Institute of Licensing and Solicitor, said:-
"Taxis and Private Hire vehicles are a very safe and convenient form of
transport, driven by drivers who have been vetted by the licensing authority and
who provide a great service; however, there are always those who will try to
take advantage of unsuspecting people. Although you might want to get home
quickly, it is far better to get home safely. Always check that the vehicle has
a licence plate or sticker displayed identifying the vehicle as either a hackney
carriage or Private Hire vehicle, and ask to see the driver's badge. Any
licensed driver should be happy to show a passenger his badge, and if they can't
or won't, don't get into the vehicle. It is better to wait a few minutes for
another vehicle than get into an unlicensed vehicle or ride with an unlicensed
driver. You might be okay, but you might not, and that is simply not worth the
risk. I am delighted the Suzy Lamplugh Trust are emphasising Taxis and Private
Hire vehicles as part of their National Personal Safety Day and I am sure that
it will help the public understand what they need to check before using a Taxi
or Private Hire vehicle. I hope that the licensed drivers, operators and vehicle
proprietors will support it wholeheartedly, and the public will heed the
advice."
|
