Taxi Driver Online

Officers shame taxi touts





TOUT squad officers at Heathrow have stepped up their campaign to shame illegal minicab drivers.

As part of the team's ongoing focus on cracking down on tout offenders picking up passengers outside the terminals, those arrested for offences will now find their vehicle windows displayed with a large poster-sized sticker displaying 'Driver arrested on suspicion of taxi touting'.


Aside from charging extremely high priced journeys, among the most common law-breaking behaviour from drivers of illegal minicabs are not being covered by correct insurance and that vehicles are not maintained to the same standards as legal taxis.

DS Steve Nunn, head of Heathrow's Tout Squad said: "We are using these stickers as a public means of showing touts that they will not be tolerated at Heathrow.

"In addition, we want to reassure the public and lawful drivers that the problem of touting is being taken very seriously."

Heathrow's chief inspector Adrian Baxter said: "It is important that people understand the serious implications of unlicensed minicabs.

"Quite simply, if you get into an unlicensed cab, you are getting into a stranger's car."

If you have any information about illegal minicabs, or any other crime, contact Heathrow police station on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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