"Mike Hughes" wrote in message
...

I've always wondered why the pre-booked-only
rule applies. Is it to avoid minicabs taking away
business from taxis or is there another reason?

Not to avoid them taking the business, but the theory
is that, being pre booked they have time to look up
the start and finish of a job before they get there so
do not need the same level of knowledge that a taxi
requires.

I think another motive might be to prevent minicab drivers preying on
tourists, who have no idea how much they should be paying to get from A to
B.