"TONGE QUESTIONS BLUNKETT ON ILLEGAL MINI CABS"

12.00.00am GMT Wed 27th Nov 2002

Dr Jenny Tonge, Member of Parliament for Richmond Park, questioned the Home Secretary, David Blunkett in Parliament over the slow progress being made on licensing mini cabs.

The Greater London Authority has launched an awareness campaign warning women not to get in to illegal mini cabs, following a series of sexual assaults and rapes by illegal drivers.

This is welcomed by Dr Tonge, but she is concerned that the process of licensing all mini cab companies, drivers and cars is painfully slow.

Dr. Tonge has written to Ken Livingstone asking why cars and drivers from registered mini cab companies cannot carry ID and the registration number of their company? Then the public would be able to distinguish between safe mini cabs and "cowboys".

Dr Tonge asked: "To ensure that sex offenders do not pose as mini cab drivers, will the Home Secretary put pressure on the Greater London Authority and the Private Carriage Office to speed up the licensing of private hire vehicles in London?"

For further information please contact Jenny Tonge on pager number 07699 734071 or Katy Oswald : 0207 219 4596 or 219 5563