Safe Use of Taxis and Private Hire Cars

Diana Lamplugh of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the leading authority on personal safety, has helped Birmingham City Council launch a campaign to promote the safe use of taxis and private hire cars especially during the Christmas and New Year party period.

The campaign message which is as relevant now as it was when the campaign was launched back in 2002 stresses-

Only use black cabs or licensed private hire cars,
which are identified by doorsigns/plates/logo etc.
Private hire cars should always be pre-booked -
if you flag one down, you are not insured for that
journey.
Stay safe - never get into an unmarked car.

The star of the poster campaign, Sebu Sendur, has first hand experience of the potential dangers in getting into an unlicensed car. After a night out with friends, she flagged down a car whose driver said that it was a taxi and showed some form of identification. She asked to be taken to Kings Heath, but then she realised they were heading in the wrong direction and the car didn't have any radio or the usual identification plate. She then demanded to be taken home. Sebu says:-

"When I think about it now, it was quite frightening. Now my friends and I always ring for a private hire car, or we'll flag down a black cab - and we always try to travel together".

Commenting on the campaign, Diana Lamplugh says:-

"The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is 100% behind this campaign....
Book your cab in advance with a licensed company and whenever possible carry a mobile phone and a shriek alarm.
You can then go out and enjoy yourself knowing that you wont be taking any unnecessary risks".

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