Transport for London (TfL) along with the Mayor of London, the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and the City of London Police are telling students, particularly women, that any minicab that isn't booked through a licensed minicab operator is dangerous and puts you at risk of attack, including sexual assault and robbery.

TfL’s annual Safer Travel at Night campaign aims to make women aware of the dangers of picking up unbooked minicabs off the street, but also informs the travelling public of the best ways to get home safely.

The campaign has been running for 10 years and is predominately aimed at all women aged 18-34 who travel after 10pm in London with a core focus on 18-28 year olds who are more likely to become a victim of minicab-related sexual offences.

Minicabs lined up outside pubs and clubs are breaking the law if they accept your fare without a booking being made first. You should not approach minicab drivers, and any minicab driver that approaches you is acting illegally. Do not get in. Only black cabs/taxis can be stopped by customers and pick you up off the street. 

TfL’s Tips on how to keep safe:

• Never approach a minicab on the street or accept a fare - they are acting illegally, even if they are licensed by TfL
• Only black cabs can pick passengers up on the street without a booking
• When travelling by minicab always book it with a licensed operator
• When it arrives check it's for you by getting the driver to confirm your booking details and check the driver's photo identification
• Download our free Cabwise app on your smartphone to book your nearest minicab or taxi (black cab) in three easy steps. If you have an iPhone or Android then search Cabwise in the app stores (iTunes or Google Play) or alternatively visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cabwise on your Smartphone (i.e. Blackberry) and bookmark the page.

The Cabwise app, launched at the end of 2012, is still the only app in the market to represent Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles in one app.

Remember, all minicabs must be licensed by Transport for London and booked through a licensed minicab operator by phone, email or in a minicab office. All unbooked minicabs (even those licensed by Transport for London and displaying the license disc) are illegal, dangerous and could put you at risk.