Seven women every month attacked by illegal cab drivers

More than seven women are raped or sexually assaulted by illegal minicab drivers in London each month, figures reveal.

Since January, 84 female passengers have been attacked after using unlicensed taxis. The statistics, compiled by the Mayor's office, demonstrate that despite a long-term clampdown on illegal cabs, some women are still willing to take a chance on one.

However, they also show that there has been a significant drop in the number of attacks reported over the past five years following the introduction of a licensing system for minicab drivers and operators.

There were more than 70 attacks between January and November this year, compared with 157 during the same period in 2002. A scheme called the Safer Travel At Night Campaign, led by Transport for London and the Met, has made people more aware of the risks of using illegal cabs. It is thought to have contributed to a significant fall in the number of women willing to use them in the West End.

New services such as Cabwise, which provides a 24-hour text service offering the phone numbers of black cab and licensed minicab firms, have also increased the options for people out at night.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "At this time of year it is incredibly important we continue to get the message out that, because of the options that are now there, no one ever has to use an illegal minicab. Over the coming year we will continue to work to eradicate illegal taxi cabs from London and to keep improving late-night travel."