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The Daily Mail, Still Getting It Wrong.

One of our readers, made a complaint to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), about the Daily Mail use of images of Taxis to illustrate an article about the BANNING of criminal record checks on foreign murderers and rapists who want to be minicab drivers if they have applied for asylum or refugees status.

This is the reply the driver received back from the Mail. It makes very interesting reading.

Dear Mr XXXXX

I am writing in response to your complaint to IPSO which was sent to us on 13 April.

Your primary concern relates to the use of the photographs of Black Cabs to illustrate the story, which focused on the possibility of refugees and asylum seekers with criminal histories becoming minicab drivers because of a loophole in the rules on criminal record checks. The use of the images of Black Cabs was intended to be illustrative, and while the piece focused on minicabs, we were in touch with TfL at the time which informed us that the same loophole also applies to Black Cab drivers. 

We have been back in contact with TfL following the complaint and they have confirmed this once again – their only addition is that it often takes up to three years for taxi drivers to pass the Knowledge, in which time they would have lived in the UK long enough to have further checks.

As above, the use of the images of Black Cabs was intended to be illustrative, but given that we have specifically focused on minicabs in the story, we have taken the decision to change the photographs to stock images of minicabs, rather than Black Cabs. The updated piece may be seen here: 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3027189/Criminal-record-checks-BANNED-foreign-murderers-rapists-want-minicab-drivers-applied-asylum-refugees-status.html

We will also bear in mind your concerns for future reference in regard to stories on the same topic, and appreciate you taking the time to write on this matter.

I do hope that our action above resolves your concerns. Please let me know.

Best wishes

Scott Langham
Deputy Managing Editor.

After receiving the reply, our reader sent back this response...

Mr Langham,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my complaint. However, you seem to misunderstand the difference between a Taxi and a minicab. You have replaced the picture of a number of licenced London Taxi's, with either regional or foreign Taxi's, and not a TfL minicab. Just because these are not "black cabs" but cars, and the fact that it says "TAXI" on the roof sign, clearly demonstrates these are not minicabs. 

Private Hire in London, and the region's, are not allowed to call themselves Taxi or Cab in advertising themselves. By your organisation changing the photo to a car is still misleading the public, as it says Taxi on the roof. I have attached a photo to show what a licenced TfL minicab could look like. This image was freely available on the Internet. 

As you know, both TfL and the Metropolitan Police work hard in educating the public with their "know what you're getting into campaign", and articles with incorrect images like this, are blurring the lines against what they are trying to achieve. 

It would be helpful if you and your colleagues could understand the distinct difference between the two trades, especially in London. A good start point would be to read the London Assembly "Future Proof" report (available online), on Taxi and Private Hire. By reading this, you'll understand the importance of not misleading the public.

I would appreciate it if you could change the photo to reflect the story asap.

Also, if you would like any further information to help you understand the difference between Taxi's and Private Hire in London, I would be more than happy to assist. 

Regards

XXXXX


Editorial Comment: 
To facilitate Mr Langhams search, here are some of Taxi Leaks stock images of minicabs. He is more than welcome to use these in the next update of the Mails article. 

   Jim Thomas 
   Editor, Taxi Leaks.






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