He offered to take me home for £10

recently reported A judge at the Old Bailey in London has sentenced unlicensed taxi driver Astor Murray, 49, to eight years in prison for the rape and indecent assault of a passenger of his illegal taxi business in 2003. He forced the 22-year-old student, who cannot be named, to perform oral sex on him before raping her in the back of his car and was linked to the crime when he was arrested for unrelated offences last year.

	He offered to take me home for £10
—Rape victim

Murray's DNA was taken in late 2009 when he was arrested for touting unlicensed taxi services and assault; he was convicted of touting in October and admits running an illegal taxi business for two years. A check against unsolved crimes revealed his DNA matched that from the unsolved sex attack in November 2003.

The victim, who earlier testified against Murray, gave a victim impact statement in which she stated that she took only black cabs and not minicabs like the one she was raped in. She said she is afraid to go out on her own and that "I have not been able to have a relationship with a man since this happened."

She previously told the court she had been drinking with friends and was at a bus stop at 4 a.m. when "I was approached by a man who said he was a minicab driver. He offered to take me home for £10." However, instead Murray took her to a Shoreditch industrial estate. There he locked the minicab's doors, removed his trousers and forcibly received oral sex from her before raping her. He later stopped the car at traffic lights and released her.

The jury took just 50 minutes earlier this month to return guilty verdicts to both charges. Judge Ann Goddard QC, sentencing, described the rape as "a very serious offence," and told Murray "on that early morning... you were in my view a predator." 

In mitigation defence barrister Philip Sutton claimed that "[t]his may be a case where, because of the passage of time, maybe by the time we got to the trial or shortly before the trial, he may have convinced himself of his innocence." He added that Murray had now accepted what he had done, and although he claimed at trial his sex with the woman was consensual he wrote a letter explaining his actions to Judge Goddard.

Goddard described this as a "little late" but Sutton responded that "[t]his is a man who is in fact now removing the cloud from his own eyes." The man's previous touting conviction and what Gaddard described as "a lasting effect on [the victim]" was also taken into consideration. Murray was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the rape, with a concurrent three years for the indecent assault. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life and, according to the Enfield Independent, will likely spend half the sentence behind bars and the other paroled on license.

Goddard expressed a hope that the trial's outcome "will be of some help to" the victim. The court also heard Murray had alcohol problems and a failed relationship on his mind, with Sutton calling him a "loner" who was dealing with his issues instead of seeking assistance. Source http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Unlicensed_London_taxi_driver_jailed_for_raping_passenger

Advise From Airport Transfers Yorkshire Is.. Know what You Are Getting Into....

Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are generally a very safe way to travel in the UK, but is the car you are about to get into one of them?

Beware when booking an unknown taxi or airport transfer company via the internet. Recent times have seen an increase in illegal or unlicensed companies or individuals touting for business on the web. They an be found all over the internet, some use the paid for links that appear in search results on the right hand side of the results pages, or at the top with a slightly shaded background. I must state that not all these are illegal companies, but some of them are. our purpose is to make you aware of this and to give you general guidance of how to stay safe in an airport transfer taxi.

Why are they safe?

    Vehicles are regularly tested and required to meet minimum standards and will have appropriate insurance checks.
    Drivers are tested (for medical and criminal issues) before being licensed to drive.

Make sure your taxi or private hire vehicle is legal.
Using unlicensed vehicles puts you at unnecessary risk.

What's the difference between taxis / private hire vehicles?

    Taxis - can be hired immediately from a rank or by hailing.
    Private Hires - MUST be pre-booked through a licensed operator

How do I know if a vehicle / driver is licensed?
Ask to see proof of licensing:

    A licensed vehicle will normally display a license plate (these can be on the front or rear of the vehicle) which will include the licensing authority, the licence number and the vehicle registration number.
    A licensed driver will wear an identity badge (or will display one), which will show the drivers license number and licensing authority details.

Stay Safe:

    make a note of the number plate and driver's license number and if uneasy text them to a friend / family
    sit in the back of the vehicle
    keep your mobile phone where it is easily accessible
    report any concerns to the licensing authority (your local council)

Do not use a cab if:

    the driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol
    the driver does not seem to know the local area
    the vehicle seems to be too old for use as a cab
    the vehicle is in a state of disrepair
    you are uneasy for any reason

Know What You Are Getting Into....

Traveling by Airport transfer taxi, limo minibus or minicab is generally very safe, but it is important to take sensible precautions, like making sure the vehicle is licensed. Find out what you can do to stay safe.

We do realise that Airport Transfers Yorkshire may not be your choice to use for an Airport Transfer Service, but you do need to take a few moments to read this page.

The Airport transfer business via the internet is growing in the UK and almost overnight many companies or individuals are springing up to offer you this service.
This means you have lots of companies all trying to sell you a service but is the price you see really the price you are paying?.

With about 90% of these other companies IT IS NOT!

The favorite trick of some of these companies at the moment is to tell you the basic price for instance Manchester to Leeds from only £45:00 this seems to be cheaper than other companies can do it for well look again at the web sites and look closely at the small print (usually a slightly darker shade than the background) they have little extras they don't want to shout about for instance most charge an incoming flight surcharge of up to £10:00 (Why? why does it cost more to get from the Airport than it does to it? its the same distance!).

Of course another reason why some companies are cheaper than us is the fact that they are NOT Licensed by the Authorities so use these companies at your own peril they are operating illegally.

Then look out for any waiting time charges most charge about £15:00 per hour and on many occasions we have heard of people being charged hourly from the time the flight is scheduled to land rather than the time it actually lands if your flight is late by a couple of hours that's an extra £30:00 added on.

Also look out for "All car parking fees must be paid" again Why? if the company knew their business they would get their driver to the arrivals gate at about the same time as the customer thus avoiding long car park charges and the maximum charge for 30 mins parking at the most expensive Manchester Airport is only £2.50

Also look out for different rates IE only £55:00 from Manchester but £38:00 to go to Manchester its the same distance if you are coming or going!.

Others say from the Airport to a city point for a fixed price well this is usually the City boundary, which can be a few miles from the Centre, and if your journey doesn't terminate in the boundary area then they will add extra charges for that as well some even charge you extra for going on a motorway. They also charge you if they need to take a different route because of road closures, traffic problems or weather conditions. The quotation they gave you should allow for this if they have uoted you correctly.

We do not charge an incoming flight surcharge because we monitor all incoming flights from our offices we know if your flight is late so we only send the driver when we need to so that you don't have pay waiting time.

We do not charge late night or weekend surcharges we do not increase our prices by 50% on UK public holidays as other companies do
.
Our prices don't change depending whether you are going or coming from the Airport its the same rate both ways and we go anywhere in greater London for that price not just the bit in the middle.

All this being said there are some tourists that just cannot get it right we warn people time and time again about the luggage space of a UK saloon (Sedan) car and yet they still book a car for 4 people with 8 or 9 large suitcases in the hope it will fit we once even had a family turn up with Ski's and 5 Snow boards and 5 people and all they booked was a standard car.

we refused to carry them and they had to pay out over £195:00 to get themselves and their excessive luggage to their hotel all this because they tried to save £5:00 by not booking a larger car.

If you don't use our company then for own safety check the company you are using is licensed.

If you choose to use a company that isn't Licensed then you have no redress against that company in any way and you have no way of knowing if those drivers are insured for the carriage of passengers don't be fooled by someone who says they are licensed ask for their number and even take the time to check with the Local authority they tell you they are registered with, it really is in your own interest to ensure this In fact.

It is important to note that ANY car service that carries fare paying passengers MUST be licensed there are NO exceptions to this at all
here are some of the tricks and excuses our some of our competitors get up to.

• We don't need a license because we are a chauffeur company (WRONG!!!! All car services that carry fare paying passengers HAVE to be licensed and they HAVE to be licensed under their trading name.
• We are a booking agency we don't need a License (WRONG!!! the law is quite specific ANYONE who takes a Booking needs an operators license issued by the local authorities, ask)
• We are not based in Manchester so we don't need a License (WRONG!!! all car services in the UK have to be licensed if they are not based in Manchester they need a License from their Local council)
• We have applied for a license (WRONG!!!! you cannot TRADE without having a license or a temporary permit)
• I am an owner-operator its only companies that need to be licensed (WRONG!!! anyone who accepts a Booking must be licensed)
• Web sites that DON'T give you any other contact details other than a phone number or an email address this usually means that they are trying to hide who and where they are from you.

Of course we could just be spinning you a yarn to try and get you to use us if you have any doubts Go Here and you can see a full Copy of the Private Hire vehicles operators act 1998 this is UK Law and this link will take you through to Her Majesties Stationery office who publish all UK legislation

Again we stress for your own safety and piece of mind you check the company you are going to use is licensed NOW check the company you are planning to use if they are NOT licensed do not touch them in any way.

You could leave it and wait for something to go wrong to find out if they are legal and insured.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Sorry for the doom and gloom, but the situation especially with bookings done on the internet, is getting worse in the UK 

 

What you need to make a complaint

When making a complaint, it is helpful to have:

• the vehicle registration number of the taxi or private hire vehicle (printed on the number plate or disc)
• taxi or private hire vehicle licence number
• taxi driver’s badge number (normally shown on their badge) or private hire vehicle operating firm name
• You the need to contact the Local council or the Local Police

 

The following article is from the Transport For London (TFL) Website,and reflects not only London but the whole of the UK, as well as Airport Transfers.

Source TFL

Despite significant progress over recent years, illegal cabs (unbooked minicabs, including unlicensed cabs and licensed minicabs touting illegally) remain a serious problem in London. These 'cabs' are unregulated and uninsured to carry passengers, and in some cases the drivers are linked to more serious crimes, including rape and sexual assault, robbery and drugs.

Tfl goes on  to say that illegal cabs also present a threat to the business of licensed and law-abiding taxi and private hire drivers, intercepting customers and representing unfair - and unsustainable - competition. 

Research

To gain a better understanding of illegal cab activity and late night travel issues, we have commissioned independent research on the subject. The results showed that of those Londoners who had used an unbooked minicab, the most common reasons for feeling unsafe were:

• They had to get out of cab before reaching their destination, or had to get out and run
• The driver acted unreasonably when the fare was disputed (eg locked the car)
• They were overcharged or given another price when they got to their destination
• They were taken to an unknown or unfamiliar area, or back street
• The driver took them the wrong way or got lost
• The driver drove too fast, erratically or dangerously
• They felt uncomfortable or threatened by the driver's behaviour

http://www.airport-transfers-yorkshire.co.uk

Green Martians

Richard Massett, from the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said: "People could be facing all sorts of dangers. The car may not be roadworthy and you don't know what the driver is out there for. There are many sexual assaults and rapes that take place."

 At two o'clock in the morning when people want to get home they wouldn't care if the driver was a green Martian with tentacles 

John Thompson
National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers Source BBC

Passenger safety must come first

Passenger safety must come first

On Tuesday 12th March 2013 The Telegraph & Argus reported that Having mandatory door stickers imposed upon minicab drivers which set out the rules under which they can be legally engaged might well feel like an imposition to them, but the arguments they raise against complying with this ruling do not really outweigh the benefits to the public.

There is still confusion in the minds of many people about the differences between private hire cabs and hackney carriages: only the latter can be flagged down and used for journeys without any pre-booking.

The Telegraph & Argus goes on to report Bradford Council instigated a campaign of mandatory notices fixed to private hire cab vehicles which sends a message out to the public that they cannot be hailed in the street and must be booked in advance.

Too many times unwary travellers have flagged down what they believe is a taxi only to be hitching a ride with an unlicensed driver. At one end of the spectrum, this may mean there can be insurance issues if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

At the other, if a driver is masquerading as a licensed driver they might have far darker motives than simply making some tax-free money.

Having a distinct system of liveried hackney carriages and private hire cars with clear mandatory notices on them solves any confusion and increases the safety and well-being of the travelling public.

While the drivers say they are not against the idea of notices fixed to their cars and that the debate is over the actual format of these stickers (apparently there are concerns over damage to vehicle paintwork), it is in everyone’s interests to have the matter satisfactorily concluded for the benefit of public safety.By Telegraph & Argus

Airport Transfers And Taxi Safety UK

Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are generally a very safe way to travel in the UK, but is the car you are about to get into one of them?

Beware when booking an unknown taxi or airport transfer company via the internet. Recent times have seen an increase in illegal or unlicensed companies or individuals touting for business on the web. 

They an be found all over the internet, some use the paid for links that appear in search results on the right hand side of the results pages, or at the top with a slightly shaded background (As illustrated).

I must state that not all these are illegal companies, but some of them are. 

If a company appears in the organic links, the ones we highlight in green, these are companies who have not paid to be there, but appear because they are relevant to your search request, and in our opinion are a safer choice.
Our purpose is to make you aware of this and to give you general guidance of how to stay safe in an airport transfer taxi.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s longest running campaign has been for the licensing of the operators and drivers of minicabs. Every year hundreds of crimes including many rapes and sexual assaults are linked to illegal and unlicensed minicab drivers.

ALL WAYS USE A LICENSED TAXI OR PRIVATE HIRE CAB

Why are they safe?

Vehicles are regularly tested by the local authorities and required to meet minimum standards and will have appropriate insurance checks.

Drivers are tested (for medical and criminal issues)checks are done by the local council as well as the police before being licensed to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle.

If you do book an unlicensed car from the airport and the police stop the vehicle, they will terminate the journey and you will be expected to carry on your journey with alternative transport at your own cost.

Make sure your taxi or private hire vehicle is legal.

Using unlicensed vehicles puts you at unnecessary risk.

What's the difference between taxis / private hire vehicles?

    Taxis - can be hired immediately from a rank or by hailing.

    Private Hire - MUST be pre-booked through a licensed operator.

How do I know if a vehicle / driver is licensed?

Ask to see proof of licensing:

A licensed vehicle will normally display a licence plate (these can be on the front or rear of the vehicle) which will include the licensing authority, the licence number and the vehicle registration number.

A licensed driver will wear an identity badge, which will show the drivers licence number and licensing authority details to ether with a photo i.d.

All drivers should wear a photographic identity badge at all times

If your taxi doesn't display these stickers and plate, DON'T GET IN!

Stay Safe:

Make a note of the number plate and driver's licence number and if uneasy text them to a friend / family.

Sit in the back of the vehicle and behind the driver if possible.

Keep your mobile phone in your hand or within easy reach.

Report any concerns to the licensing authority (your local council) or the airport authorities where you got into the taxi.

Do not use a cab if:    the driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol    the driver does not seem to know the local area    the vehicle seems to be too old for use as a cab    the vehicle is in a state of disrepair    you are uneasy for any reason..trust your own instincts AND STAY SAFE