Press Releases
Bogus taxi firms not welcome in Ealing (PR 1077)
Ealing Council has invested £3000 in a new taxi-marshalling scheme to stop weekend revellers using illegal mini cabs.
The Community Safety Team and Safer Neighbourhood Teams are working together to encourage partygoers to use licensed mini-cab companies at the end of the night.
Over the course of the weekend an estimated 1000 people use illegal mini cabs in the Acton area to make their journey home.
Temporary railings are set up in the evenings to pedestrians spilling over into the road. The railings also direct people towards the Morrisons car park, where registered mini cabs are lined up to take people home.
With the support of Morrisons supermarket, 20 PCSOs marshal the car park, keep watch over pub goers and ensure there is no trouble in the queue.
Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said:
“Dangerous situations have arisen with people accepting lifts from bogus mini cabs.
“There have been incidents where men and women have been assaulted by illegal minicab drivers.
“People should be able to enjoy a safe night out in the borough without the fear of becoming a victim of crime.
“This scheme will help make that possible by offering anyone in the area a safe way to get home. “
The scheme is being piloted until the end of November and if
successful will be extended further.