They have a record of your entire journey to ensure your safety
Travelling around London at night can be a daunting prospect. Women travelling by themselves, carrying a handbag can be an easy target for attackers. Confidence and common sense alone, may not be enough to warn off a potential attack. But attacks don’t just happen to people walking along dark streets at night. They can also happen when you least expect it.
Statistics show that women who hire illegal minicabs, have also reported being attacked by the drivers. A TV campaign was launched to highlight the danger of these unlicensed minicab operators, urging people to only use black cabs. It is now illegal for any London minicab to board passengers on journeys that have not been booked. London Mayor, Boris Johnson said, “A significant number of younger women still use illegal cabs. It is hugely important that everyone takes this message on board - minicabs that haven't been booked are illegal and a threat to your personal safety. Don't take the risk.’
Women, especially if alone, are more vulnerable than men and it is advisable to book a minicab online before leaving. This will guarantee that you have a taxi waiting for you outside as soon as you are ready to go home. With many of us using our smart phones, is it quick and easy to do, and can be booked during the same evening. You can even track your car’s progress online and with most taxi firms now having a link direct to the police, they have a record of your entire journey to ensure your safety.
To book a minicab online is the simplest way. Therefore you aren’t relying on the trust of casual acquaintances or strangers. This also prevents anyone from overhearing your name and address, that you are going to and reduces the possibility of you being followed. Your car is also confirmed to you online, to ensure that you know the make and colour of the vehicle and don’t mistake the taxi for an illegal, uninsured one that is waiting in the same area. You should always confirm the driver’s details when they turn up, to check that this is your ordered taxi.
Your instincts are very important and it’s a good idea to carry a personal attack alarm for your security and safety. Ensuring that you are not alone, increases your security but if this isn’t possible, then wait in a well lit area for the taxi to arrive, even within the building that you are being picked up from, and arrange to text someone when you finally arrive home. If you do feel threatened within a car, ask the driver to stop within a busy lit area and get out of the car. The best way of protecting yourself is to book a minicab online. It only takes a minute and could be the best decision you ever made.
