Plans for safer taxi journeys

People using private hire vehicles in the Telford area after midnight could pay up front for their fares as part of proposed safety measures.

A number of proposals are to be put to the Taxi Forum on April 2 after police officers in Telford met to discuss new ways to increase safety for taxi and private hire travel.

It comes after Wellington private hire driver, Mohammed Khan, was jailed for 10 years for raping a 15-year-old girl and sexually assaulting a woman after picking them up in his vehicle.

Sergeant Paul Franks, of Wellington police station, said: "It's not just passengers who need to be protected, it's the drivers as well.

"Criminals often use taxis for illegal purposes. We have had stolen goods found in taxis before.

He added: "Taxi drivers and passengers need to be aware they could be assisting in crime."

Police want private hire firms to agree that after midnight people can pay upfront and be told exactly how much the journey will cost.

Mr Franks said: "We need to start getting people to think of taxis as part of their night out.

"What happened with Mr Khan has heightened the situation but there have been ongoing problems with taxi and private hire firms for a while so the forums have been set up to iron out the issues and make everyone safer," he added.