Staying safe

You’ve had a good night out in Harrow. Met the girls in O’Neills, had a bit of a dance. Can’t believe Natalie got off with that bloke from Pinner. Walked up to Trinity, the queue wasn’t too bad. Only waited 10 minutes to get in. In there for about an hour then came out and straight into the kebab shop. How can Hayley have burger sauce, garlic sauce and mayonnaise on her chips? Came out and there was a minicab parked right outside. Driver says four drops in Pinner will be £20. Seems a bit excessive but your feet hurt and you want to get home. Driver thinks he is some kind of rap star. He has got his hood up and playing his music really loud. Still, the other girls have been dropped off and now there is only you in the car. You will be home safe and sound and under the duvet within 10 minutes.

Or will you? What do you know about the “minicab” and the driver? Is he actually a minicab driver?

Does he have a large green disc on the windscreen of his car? There should be one there by law.
It shows the registration number of the vehicle and the date the license expires.

Is he wearing his driver ID badge? He risks a £1000 fine by not wearing it, so if you had one you would wear it, wouldn’t you? It shows his photograph, his Public Carriage Office license number and the date that it expires. You can confirm these details with our office or go online at www.tfl.gov.uk

It is illegal for a minicab to just pick you up off the street. Your “minicab driver” has already broken the law. You must telephone a minicab company and make your booking. If the journey is not recorded by the company the vehicle is not insured and if you have an accident you will not be able to claim a penny. What company does he work for? Who are you going to call if Hayley has left her mobile in the car? Is there any sign of him being a minicab driver? A radio or one of those things that looks like sat nav on the dashboard

Why is he driving with his hood up? Could you say what he looked like? ARE YOU SAFE?

Put our number 020 8869 1000 in your mobile. Get all the girls to put it in their mobile. When you come out of the kebab shop call us. We will send you a fully licensed, fully insured driver. No hood up, no loud music. We will tell you the colour and registration of the minicab even the driver’s name. When you see the car, ask the driver who he has come to collect and where he is going to take them. If he does not know DO NOT get in the car. Harrow, like most towns, has a huge problem with illegal minicabs. Hopefully they are only trying to earn a few extra pounds but they are still putting your safety at risk. However what if he has more evil intentions?