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Under Transport for London's licensing conditions, the minicabs have been put through rigorous tests at a centre in Hanworth to ensure they are roadworthy and cars more than 12 months old are required to pass an MoT test every six months.
Throughout London, a total of 37,000 vehicles, working from 2,300 offices, have now been licensed. All legitimate taxis will carry yellow licence discs in the top corners nearest the kerb of their front and rear windscreens.
These discs will show the licence number, car registration number, expiry date and the number of passengers it can legally carry.
Licensing the vehicles is the second phase of TfL's campaign for safer taxi journeys. Private hire operators became subject to licensing in 2001. The licensing of the drivers started in 2003 and is due for completion in 2006.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said: "This is a major step in ensuring safer travel for Londoners.
"The private hire industry was unregulated for years leading to differences in the quality of vehicles and drivers.
"Passengers can now be sure they are using a legitimate minicab by checking to see that the vehicle carries a licence disc. Minicabs should not be hailed in the street and people should not use minicabs without a licence disc."
TfL also advises that private hire vehicles are pre-booked by phone or at the operator's office as it is illegal to tout for trade on the street.
source:hounslowguardian.co.uk |
