“What a terrible story - myself and my boyfriend always use Road Runners as they are the most reliable and best value for money mini cabs - we use 2-3 a week. The drivers are all courteous and some who have been there a while will tell tales of the areas they've worked along the years.
Why anyone would do this to another human being is beyond me.
And Ian, I totally agree they shouldn't pick up off the street but I must say the few times I have recognised the Road Runner cars and tried to get them to pick me up (after a few drinks out), they have always refused and insisted I go through their switchboard.
Jamie, love the introduction of a confirmation text when you book but would also like the reg of the car picking me up; often I'm on my own and wary of getting into cars unless I know it's the one I've booked? Wonder if this is possible??”

“DDD, Ian does make a valid point as do yourself. If a Roadrunners driver is ever caught touting or blagging work he would be dismissed with immediate effect. And I hope Ian didn't mind my mocking too much, I actually am a big fan of the Taxi I even use them myself from time to time.”

“Jamie - Ian may be generalising, but I'm sure you know exactly what He means when he refers to touting. From Tiger Tiger to Southend on a weekend you cannot move for cars blagging. Some being private hire and others just blokes with cars. There are a hardcore 3 or 4 drivers that consistantly draw alongside the public ASKING if they want a cab. And the problem is increased even further by the fact that in that stretch, you have more minicab firms than kebab shops - and all in a declining night time economy!. This doesn't just take Ians work - it takes Roadrunners, Kendalls, and all the other well established firms work as well. It also goes some way to explaining why all those drivers you mock for sitting at East Croydon, are sitting there in the first place.”

“Ha! Fair play Ian, good come back. On a serious note I would sack any driver caught 'blagging' jobs. I'm not sure the public understand they are not insured if they just get in mini cab that they haven't booked.”

“Mr wilkinson. I completely agree with you that something needs to be done about the scum that attack drivers going about there business. I used to work for a mini cab firm unfortunately like everything the justice system in this country leaves a lot to be desired. The punishment when caught does not fit the crime. So yes I do agree with you. And no I don't sit around East Croydon all day. Good luck and safe driving”

“It makes me sick that people do this to the drivers who are simply trying to earn a living! they have a dangerous job taking strangers in the back of their car - being based in croydon is not good either - picking up all the local riff raff! i hope the drivers get their security sheilds”

“As a company director and son of the owner I would like to point out that none of our drivers were picking up illegally. Nor is this point relevant to the article Ian, but seeing as you've brought it up could you provide evidence of these illigal pick ups? Or are you too busy sat around east croydon station waiting for a fare?”

“I would like to point out that this is a mini cab firm and not a taxi company. As a licensed taxi driver (black cab ) too many people are miss informed with the licensing laws regarding this. Yes it is wrong that drivers are attacked but it is also wrong for them to illegally pick up off the street. The sooner Croydon council and the p.c.o. Public carriage office enforce the laws the better”

“Anne we all know that the Argies are common cheats , and if it is so wonderful go home , goodbye.”

“Anne - And Spain is better than Argentina.”