Drinkers Warned Of Bogus Cab Drivers

Safety organisations and motor insurance companies are warning drivers who wisely leave their cars at home while having a drink to beware of bogus minicabs.

The drivers of these vehicles may be on the lookout for vulnerable women or be driving without motor insurance, campaigners warn.

A safety campaign has suggested that people text the cab's license plate to a friend when they use a late night taxi.

The aim is to make people think before they get into a car after a night out. Campaign leaders say there are horror stories of rogue taxis and unscrupulous drivers.

"Longer licensing hours mean more people stay out later, so there are more people for bogus drivers to prey on," said a spokesman for a well known campaigner for taxi safety.

"In the worst cases, these people are not driving proper cabs and are looking to pick up a victim to attack. At best, an unlicensed cab will not be insured and could be in a dangerous condition."

Campaigners say the best way to avoid an incident is to hail a proper black cab or check that the vehicle is properly displaying a badge with licence number. Alternatively pre-book a cab from a reputable firm.

Be Wiser is a quality provider of Motor Insurance.