Chelmsford taxi drivers are urging people to make simple checks before getting into a taxi in the wake of two alarming incidents in the town last week.
Vice-chairman of the Chelmsford Taxi Drivers Association Peter Shervill has made the plea following police reports in last week's Essex Chronicle.
He said he is desperate for people to know how to recognise a taxi, especially after a woman was allegedly raped by two men when she got in their car and an attempted abduction of two children by a man believed to be driving a taxi.
Mr Shervill said: "It's worrying to think some people still don't know what to look for when they want a taxi."
He said the easiest way to recognise a legitimate taxi was to look for a roof light with 'Taxi' on it, check for a licence on the rear bumper and signs on the front doors with the taxi number on.
"The driver may be wearing a plum-coloured uniformed top and will have a licence with a photo on it", said Mr Shervill.
"We also want to warn people that they must pre-book private cars, although they are legitimate. They just shouldn't flag them down in the street as it invalidates the insurance," said Mr Shervill.
For further information contact Mr Shervill on 01245 601982 or Chelmsford Borough Council on 01245 606606.
Published Thursday, April 17, 2003
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