MP Visits Kingston Police Station

1.02.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th May 2003

Constable Ashley Silburn, control room operator on the day of the visit, talking with Jenny Tonge MP.

Jenny Tonge MP, Lib Dem MP for Richmond Park, went to Kingston Police Station to meet local police officers and to discuss key local issues including minicab safety.

Dr Tonge voiced concern that illegal minicabs were still touting for business late at night outside nightclubs in the town centre. She was however reassured by a new scheme in the pipeline which could see the creation of a stopping point in a designated car park were minicabs could pick up booked clients.

Dr Jenny Tonge MP: "The registration of minicabs, firms and drivers has taken a very long time but we actually seem to be getting there at last."

Jenny Tonge MP was also taken on a tour of the station by Chief Superintendent Jeff Brathwaite, and was introduced to officers working in the control room.

Jenny Tonge MP: "I would particularly like to thank the Kingston Police for the good job they are doing. I would also like to welcome in advance the new 13 Community Support Officers who will soon be added to the force as a result of increased funding."

Notes for editor:

The Licensing of Minicabs Bill was piloted through the House of Commons by Dr Jenny Tonge MP and became law in July 1998. Due to the formation of the GLA, and the duties of the Public Carriage Office being switched from Central Government, it has taken a very long time to implement.

All minicab firms are now registered. Drivers and vehicles will be registered within the next 12 months.

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