In message , Andrew
writes


I'm desperately trying to make a posting which doesn't seem as though taxi
drivers will be rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of making
extra money. Believe me they will be amongst the first to condemn any act
of terrorism.


Indeed, and some have been involved in helping convey 'walking wounded'
people to hospitals.


There is one fact which has troubled me for some time and that is the
number of 'minicabs' who come and go to many of our most 'protected'
businesses, each of which may have a driver who's criminal records cannot
be verified - unlike the vetting that the fully licensed 'black' cab has
to go through.


that is a very good point. Perhaps more should be done to regulate the
minicab business.

The regulations are in place. Trouble is there is little or no
enforcement. On the odd occasions when the police manage t o get a
conviction the courts impose low sentences.

I write articles for one of the taxi trade newspapers and was recently
taken by the taxi marshals (volunteers who get no pay) to Terminal 4 at
Heathrow. The touts were so blatant. How long before someone is raped or
murdered by someone calling themselves a 'taxi'? Any one who wants a
copy of the article (it is long) send me a private e-mail, but be warned
it may take a little time for me to send it.

--
Mike Hughes
A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton
at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England