Public Transport - Taxis and minicabs

Whenever possible, ask for the driver's name, make and colour of car.

Do not hail a minicab from the street or accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade. This is illegal and you have no guarantee that the driver is in fact a minicab driver at all. You are also not insured in the event of an accident if you hail down a minicab as you have not been registered by the company as a passenger. Black cabs can be hailed legally and safely.

Plan ahead how to get home before you go out. Making decisions before you go out is much safer, particularly if you are going to be drinking.

Take a business card with you when you go out with the telephone number of a reputable minicab or taxi company, and telephone for the cab when you need it.

Alternatively, walk to a nearby minicab officer to order a cab.

If you are at a club, pub or restaurant and do not have the number of a cab company, ask staff if they can recommend one.

Try to go home with a friend, preferably to the same address. You could arrange for them to stay over at your place or vice versa - this can also save a bit of money.

If you are going to a friend's house, you could telephone to let them know that you've ordered a cab, where you've ordered it from and the name of the company so that they know when to expect you and how to trace you if you're late.

Do not approach a car that you think is your cab - they should approach you.

Ask for driver ID before getting into the car. Make sure it identifies the driver as being from the company you rang to order the car. Ask the driver the name and destination he has been given to check he/she is your driver. Don't get into a cab you haven't ordered.

Sit in the back of the car.

Carry a personal alarm with you as an extra precaution.

Buses and Trains

• Try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark.
• On an empty bus, sit near the driver or conductor.
• On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several other people - ideally one which will be near the exit of your destination. Check to see where the emergency chain is.