Hordes of night time revellers jump into their cars, wrangling over fares outside nightclubs but minicab drivers could find themselves without a licence if they are caught touting three times.

A report by the London Assembly has called for private hire licences to be revoked from drivers who tout for passengers.

Although the report notes that the Cab Enforcement unit has carried out 3,800 arrests for touting and a drop of 46 per cent in the amount of cab-related sexual offences, it adds that there is still work to do.

Londoners should be aware that the only taxis allowed to offer their services on the streets are black cabs.

Report leader Peter Hulme Cross said: "Around 1.4 million journeys are made every week in London's minicabs.

"However, many people still do not know they are taking a big risk when they flag down a licensed minicab.

"If the minicab is not pre-booked, it is not insured to carry passengers, and it is much more difficult to detect offenders if a crime is committed."

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/news/minicab-touts-face-losing-licence-18481749.html