Taxi Driver Online

Maybe this might be of interest to someone.

I heard about a new website for the mobile internet in Manchester where the public can check taxis anywhere and make sure they are licensed, it's trying to stop people using unlicensed taxi's.

The website's www.taxinumbers.mobi

I suggest taking a look, I got a personal contact for someone at taxinumbers: tommy@taxinumbers.mobi

Does the list include all the licensed cabs from elsewhere?

And how many cabs commit rapes, assaults etc etc? Or is it the driver?

And how will your list include those that actually commit the offences?

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IDFIMH

From what I understand from speaking to someone from there they have all licensed HC and PHV in greater manchester on their database, and the idea is that when they check the taxi and it isn't licensed then the person shouldn't ride in the taxi ideally.

I'm not sure on statistics to do with those crimes, however it has been in the local news around south manchester where I live about a rapist who picked up a girl/girls posing as an taxi driver.

But if you typed it in there is a lot of media coverage on crimes related to unlicenced taxis. Which will affect the trade for legitimate taxi drivers.

I have the guy who I've been speaking to's e-mail if you want.

What about the many 100s of non Manchester licensed vehicles that pick up legally in Manchester?

Are you telling the public not to get into them? If so why?

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IDFIMH

I'm currently speaking to a guy called Tommy from the company, this isn't something I do, he said that they never tell anyone not to ride with the taxi.

They said that they include all of the outer boroughs, such as all of greater manchester to make sure that doesnt happen.

Ideally it would include all taxis in the uk to be sure but i'm glad somebody is taking steps to do it to be honest.

I've taken a look at the site and it does seem like a good idea to me I mean to be honest from what I can gather its a step in the right direction. I know personally that it doesn't seem to be a priority for the authorities at the moment and anything that encourages people to make sure they're travelling with legit drivers is something to be supported.

What are your main concerns about it Sussex?

I'll forward them on if you want?

Some quick stats from taxiregister:

In London alone, recent statistics show that 11 women are attacked each month after taking an unlicensed minicab.
80% of stranger rapes are committed by unlicensed cab drivers.

That should read 80% of stranger rapes are committed by car drivers. If they are unlicensed, they are not cab drivers they are just preditor car drivers.

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Grandad,

Good point, it was an extract from a website, not my own words!

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IDFIMH

It doesn't distinguish between licensed cabs and licensed cabs.

In other words cabs legally picking up who aren't licensed in the borough.

Ditto for pre-booked PH.

But in short it's trying to fix something wrong with a wet lettuce.

All, well 99%, of taxis/PH have a plate on the back, if they have that that makes them legal.

The issue you are trying to sort is illegal pick ups, but the way you are trying to do is doomed to failure.

Trying to get someone to make a note of a vehicle's registration number to see if it's a legal vehicle ain't going to happen.

Folks who know the trade realise that people don't give a flying f*** how they get home at night, and the ones that do are well able to tell the difference between a licensed black cab and an unlicensed saloon.

And who updates the database, and how do they get their info, and what happens if a driver changes his motor, does he get blacked by punters till the database is updated.

The trade has seen many attempts by people looking to make money out of the trade, but TBH this has to be the worst one yet.

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IDFIMH

I'm not sure what the first sentance is supposed to mean. The site are vased near me and I heard something about them on the local radio. Apparently they are adding on all the outer boroughs. Why would PH from Derby for example be picking up in Manchester unless it was a booking anyway? Any HC taxi is more than likely registered with the local council anyway.

It seems from the people I have chatted to re: this subject have said the main reason they don't check is because they don't know what they're looking for and have no way to know. That's the nature of my experience from round here anyway.

It also seems as though the point isn't to memorise the reg but enter it prior to embarking on the journey. An example being when somebody pulls up to ask if you want a ride....you enter their reg and see if it's worth it or not.

Some valid points but I think perhaps you're a bit quick to dismiss it.
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That's a very pessimistic outlook on things?

No one gives a f*ck how they travel? Seems like you don't really care whether people use unlicensed taxis or not?

If it worked it would not only save you money, it may stop innocent people from being in unnecessary danger.

At least some people are trying to do something for the better than just sit back on the side lines and slate anything that you think may not work.

I'm not sure what the first sentance is supposed to mean. The site are vased near me and I heard something about them on the local radio. Apparently they are adding on all the outer boroughs. Why would PH from Derby for example be picking up in Manchester unless it was a booking anyway? Any HC taxi is more than likely registered with the local council anyway.

It seems from the people I have chatted to re: this subject have said the main reason they don't check is because they don't know what they're looking for and have no way to know. That's the nature of my experience from round here anyway.

It also seems as though the point isn't to memorise the reg but enter it prior to embarking on the journey. An example being when somebody pulls up to ask if you want a ride....you enter their reg and see if it's worth it or not.

Some valid points but I think perhaps you're a bit quick to dismiss it.
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If someone pulls up and asks if you want a ride, there is a damn near 100% chance that they are not licensed. Who needs to enter that reg!

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Grandad,