Press Release

Successful marshalled taxi rank at Cranbourn Street becomes permanent

8 November 2005

The marshalled taxi rank being trialled in the West End of London will now become a permanent fixture having successfully helped 30,000 people get home safely on Friday and Saturday nights.

Since its launch a year ago, the marshalled rank at Cranbourn Street (by Leicester Square Tube station), has grown in popularity.  The rank forms part of the Mayor's campaign to encourage Londoners to use licensed taxis and private hire vehicles rather than unsafe illegal minicabs. Ten women a month are sexually attacked every month by illegal minicab drivers.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, said: "The Cranbourn Street marshalled taxi rank in the heart of the West End has helped to successfully take thousands of people home safely. It is popular with taxi drivers and passengers alike offering a reliable and secure place to find a cab. It is one of several late night travel options such as night buses which are enabling people to avoid using illegal minicabs."

Ed Thompson, TfL's Taxi and Private Hire Director, said: "30,000 people have been taken home safely via this marshalled taxi rank in the past year. We are pleased that it will be a permanent fixture and will complement other legitimate means of getting home.

"Our message is clear, use legitimate services either taxis, licensed minicab operators, or night buses. Don't put yourself at risk."

The taxi rank at Cranbourn Street is marshalled on Friday and Saturday evenings from 10pm and 3am and in December only, this service will be extended to Thursdays also.