Noda Resume Safety Campaign for Festive Period
Monday, October 19, 2009
Noda Resume Safety Campaign for Festive Period
As the party season looms and numbers of revelers increase in the pubs and clubs across the region, Newcastle’s biggest taxi firm has revived their annual safety campaign to increase awareness of bogus cabbies. Noda Taxis in conjunction with The Gate, Newcastle are anxious to promote key personal safety messages regarding the use of cabs with Christmas and New Year approaching.
As the social scene gears up, more and more individuals will be relying on this mode of transport to get home following an evening out. The potential risks involved also increase with this rising demand. Over the festive period the number of illegal taxis on the streets rises dramatically, with their drivers hoping to secure extra cash for Christmas. Being unlicensed and often uninsured, they present enough of a risk for their potential passengers, but other individuals have a more sinister objective; targeting lone, defenseless women.
The threat is real. Just a few months ago in Newcastle, a 19 year old girl was raped by a gang after getting into an unlicensed car following a night out when she became separated from her friends. Statistics reveal that the vast majority of stranger rapes occur in unlicensed minicabs. At this time of year, when individuals are frequently compromised by alcohol consumption and a desire to get home out of the cold weather, they are even more vulnerable.
Noda’s Safety Campaign message, which attracted national attention throughout its 2008 run, is: ‘Do you know who’s taking you home tonight?’ Posters, leaflets and credit-card style safety cards drive home the message of caution by contrasting two drivers, one smartly presented with his taxed and insured vehicle, the other a suspicious character with his bogus cab. As part of the regular campaign, pocket sized guides will be distributed, containing advice and tips on getting home safely. This year, the team at Noda is keen to stress that safe use of taxis is not just a gender specific concern- it affects everyone.
“Of course lone women can be particularly at risk from attackers posing as cab drivers and we are very anxious to make them aware of this danger, but this is not the only problem with unlicensed drivers.” Explained Noda’s Business Development Manager, Eddie Binks.“
Any unlicensed driver will not have had any background checks to ensure that they are a suitable person to actually be driving a taxi. This is not only of concern in terms of sexual assault or similar incidents- robberies are often conducted by these drivers. You won’t know if they have driving convictions for any offences. They will also not be insured to carry paying passengers, which is potentially disastrous in the event of an accident. Additionally their vehicle could be completely unroadworthy- after all, if they are breaking the law to take on passengers it is highly likely that they will be lax on other legal requirements as well. Some of these cars can be real death traps- poor brakes, worn tyres, broken seat belts, the list is endless.”
Amanda Betteridge, Tenant Services Manager at The Gate, Newcastle’s premier leisure hotspot said: “We are extremely pleased to be involved in the Noda Safety campaign this year and welcome the opportunity to ensure that partygoers at the Gate get home safely, especially over the Christmas period when opportunists often take advantage. This is why we have installed a Noda Portico within the Gate where people can book their cabs without fear that they are being picked up by a rogue driver.
The safety of all our customers is paramount to us and we work closely with Northumbria Police to ensure that the festivities are an enjoyable time and don’t end in disaster”.
“The best advice possible is plan ahead. Book a taxi with a reputable company before you even leave home for total peace of mind”, concluded Eddie.
Safety Advice:
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Order your taxi in advance or call the booking office to avoid queuing.
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Ask the driver what name the taxi is booked under; don’t give your name first.
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Ask to see the driver’s ID badge, which all cabbies should have by law.
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All drivers should have a licence number and a registration number- save them into your phone in case you need to report anything.
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Leave with a friend if possible and ring home to let them know you are on the way.
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