WIREDGOV

As the festive party season kicks off, Transport for London (TfL) reminds people of the dangers of taking illegal minicabs.

Posters, cinema adverts and online ads running over the next few weeks will reinforce the message that unbooked minicabs are illegal and potentially dangerous.

The campaign aims to further reduce the number of cab-related sexual offences, which has dropped 26 per cent in the past two years.

TfL's tips for booking minicabs include:

• Remember that only black cabs can pick passengers up on the street without a booking
• Never approach a minicab on the street or accept a fare - they are acting illegally, even if they are licensed by TfL
• Always book your minicab through a licensed operator
• When your minicab arrives check it's for you by getting the driver to confirm your booking details and check the driver's photo identification

The campaign is the latest phase of the Safer Travel at Night initiative - a partnership between the Mayor, Transport for London, Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police.

For more information, go online to tfl.gov.uk/cabwise

Download the free Cabwise app now

Download the free app to book your nearest licensed minicab or taxi in three easy steps.

Where can I download it?

The free app is available through iTunes and Google Play.

How does it work?

The app uses GPS to find out your approximate location, and sends you details of the nearest taxis and licensed minicab firms.

What if I don't want to download an app?

You can visit tfl.gov.uk/cabwise.

Or use the text service - text CAB to 60835 for the numbers of your three nearest cab companies.

What happens if I have no internet signal?

If you can't connect to the internet then the app and website will redirect you to the free text service.