TAXIWISE WARNING TO CHRISTMAS REVELLERS
15 December 2005 - Taxiwise

The licensing hours have just been extended and the seasonal party period has started

Taxiwise, the campaign for the safe use of taxis, has issued a timely warning for revellers to be careful and vigilant when planning their journeys to and from the festivities.

Taxiwise has regularly highlighted the potential dangers of people getting into bogus mini cabs by using ‘celebrities’ to get their message across to taxi users.

This year television presenter Kirsty Gallacher has lent her support to the Taxiwise campaign and she has urged everyone to play it safe when it comes to getting home after a night out.

She said, “At this time of year in particular there are more parties to get to and friends and families to catch up with, so we all go out and enjoy ourselves a little more - but it is vital that we know how we are getting home.”

“The safest way is to hail a traditional style black cab or book a taxi in advance. When you get into a taxi, always look for the licence number to be sure the vehicle you are getting into is legitimate.”

She added, “Attackers posing as cab drivers destroy the lives of hundreds of people in the UK each year so make sure you are ‘taxiwise’ and know what you are getting into.”

Taxiwise say other celebrities have also offered their support to their campaign, because they feel strongly about the dangers that women can encounter after a night out on the town.

Another ‘celebrity’ supporting Taxiwise is Tamara Beckwith who was attacked by an illegal minicab driver and has experienced the dangers at first hand.

She said, “If you are going out to a party make sure you get into a black cab or pre-book a taxi. Do not enter into an unlicensed mini cab, as it is not worth the risk,” and added, “It may be late, cold and you are desperate to get home – but remember that opting for an illegal minicab rather than a licensed vehicle could potentially put you in danger. Only recognisable taxis with the illuminated ‘taxi’ sign on the roof, which can be hailed on the street, or licensed private hire vehicles which must be pre-booked by telephone or at a booking office should be used.”

Gabby Logan, TV presenter, who supported the Taxiwise campaign last year commented, ”It is all too tempting after a night out to jump into the first cab that pulls up outside a pub or night club without first checking the driver’s ID and the licence plate, but it is simply not safe and you are potentially putting yourself at risk.

“The number of horrifying attacks that are taking place throughout the UK is evidence enough of the potential dangers of taking a bogus cab and my advice is always pre-book a cab or hail a black cab.”

A spokesperson for Taxiwise said, “We do not want to dampen the fun of the party season and we are not scaremongering, we just want women to ensure that their journey home will be a safe one.”

From Miles Better News Agency

Head and shoulders picture is Kirsty Gallacher

www.taxiwise.com

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