Lib Dem leader and GLA member Lynne Featherstone has welcomed a vital new safety initiative launched by the London Mayor and the Met police.

The ‘Know what you’re getting into at night’ campaign warns Londoners, especially women, of the dangers of getting into illegal minicabs. In the past 12 months 214 London women were sexually assaulted after hailing illegal cabs, according to figures released by the Metropolitan Police.

The campaign will use poster sites, pubs and clubs to get the message across London.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“We have to tackle the problem of the huge number of assaults reported by unlicensed taxi operators.There are alternative forms of transport, and minicabs are now being licensed and can be booked from a licensed operator.

“I hope women will heed the message from this excellent initiative and never take a taxi from a stranger in the street. It’s not worth the risk.”