Pair charged in taxi touting clampdown

10:34am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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Two men have been charged following a police clampdown on illegal taxi touting in Hendon.

Barnet police descended on Church Road late last Friday night with the aim of preventing and deterring illegal taxi touting outside licensed premises.

Faysal Abdalla Mohamud, 29, of Mill Farm Close, Pinner, and Poobalasingam Kunenthiran, 38, of Silkstreem Road, Edgware, were arrested and taken to Colindale police station, where they were charged with taxi touting contrary to Section 167 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Both men have been bailed to appear at Hendon Magistrates Court on July 28.

A Barnet police spokesman advised the public to think ahead and either pre-book a licensed minicab, use a black cab or nominate a driver who will not drink.

He added: “Even taxi drivers who are licensed are not allowed to tout for business by approaching would-be passengers. Our priority is to ensure the safety of the public, deterring illegal taxi touting by enforcing legislation and promoting safe alternatives.”

Black cabs can be booked on 0871 871 8710. Alternatively, CABWISE, a 24-hour scheme run by Transport for London, can be contacted by texting the word HOME to 60835, or 60TFL, and the phone numbers for two local licensed minicab operators will be sent direct to your mobile phone.