The owner of a Twickenham mini-cab firm wants access to criminal records in order to ensure passenger safety.

Ray Gilham of Kneller Cars has pointed out that mini-cab firms are at a disadvantage because they cannot check employees past before taking them on - unlike their counterparts who drive black cabs.

He explained the problem when he said: "Black cabs have access to criminal records, mini-cabs don't.

"We can take someone on and ask him if he has a criminal record but if he lies, we have no way of checking."

He spoke out after Richmond Park MP Jenny Tonge gave her support to a bill that will ensure all cab drivers are vetted and licensed.

She spoke about her own experiences as a doctor treating women who had been mistreated by cab drivers.

The MP added: "The bill will ensure that people don't have to dice with injury or death when taking a cab."

Mr Gilham pointed out that without mini-cab firms, the black cab business could not meet the demand for private transport that existed in the capital.

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