25/10/2010

Safer Transport At Night Campaign Launched

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Cab Enforcement Unit, part of the Transport for London (TfL) funded Safer Transport Command (STC), have made more than 100 arrests in a bid to tackle illegal cab drivers in London.

As part of the Operation Safer Travel at Night (STaN), officers increased night-time patrols over three weekends. These took place between 23 September and 9 October to deter, detect and apprehend illegal cab drivers, also known as touts, and to help people get home safely.

The operation coincided with the STaN marketing campaign, which aimed to make people, in particular young women travelling at night, aware of the dangers of using unbooked minicabs picked up off the street.

Officers tackled touting involving both licensed and unlicensed drivers in student areas across London, successfully deterring and arresting illegal cab drivers, and acquiring valuable intelligence.

The operation covered every borough in the capital, as the Cab Enforcement and Safer Transport Teams engaged with thousands of Londoners, and in particular students. The officers provided safer travel information and encouraged them to book minicabs as well as reminding them that only black cabs can be stopped and picked up off the street without being booked.

To support the enforcement and in advance of the darker and colder nights ahead, the MPS and TfL have also put together a short YouTube video, providing safer travel information for Londoners.

Chief Superintendent Royle, Safer Transport Command, said: "The safety of the public is paramount and I would advise anyone not to get into any minicab that they have not booked and always book it through a licensed operator."

Steve Burton, TfL's Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing, said: "These operations are a priority for us and these arrests should serve as a clear reminder to touts that the Safer Transport Command is out there and will take action.”

(BMcN)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 June 2010
Met Cops 'Get On Their Bikes'
A new, 30-strong Police Cycle Task Force hit the streets of London today, as the police force, the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) published a draft plan for tackling cycle theft and vandalism in the capital. The Task Force forms part of the Metropolitan Police Service's Safer Transport Command team and is funded by TfL.
13 May 2015
Dawn Raids Carried Out Across West Midlands
Some 100 police officers carried out dawn raids across the West Midlands as part of a blitz on suspected criminals. Codenamed Spring Safer Six, raids were carried out in Tipton, Rowley Regis, Oldbury, West Bromwich and Bradley in a crackdown on criminal networks selling drugs and committing crimes to fuel their drug addiction.
07 September 2011
Community Crime Fight Funds Open For Bids
Communities across England and Wales will now be able to benefit from a share of over £5 million to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, as part of the government's ambition to drive up community activism and build safer neighbourhoods.
20 July 2011
£14m To Empower Communities And Build Safer Neighbourhoods
Two new funds totalling £14 million are being made available to the voluntary sector to empower communities to take action against crime and antisocial behaviour, Crime Prevention Minister Baroness Browning announced today.
01 July 2014
Thousands Of Unemployed Scots Left In Poverty - CAS
Thousands of sick, disabled and unemployed people from Scotland are being left in poverty as their benefit payments are stopped. In a new report published today by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) shows that many people hit by benefit 'sanctions' are forced into poverty and ill health, often having to rely on foodbanks.