News that a convicted rapist was working as a minicab driver have sparked fresh calls for the licensing of minicabs so potential drivers can be vetted and criminal convictions revealed.

David Smith, 41, of Markhole Close, Hampton, was immediately dismissed by Surbiton's Mogul Radio Cars when they found out about his past.

And firm owner Richard Sampson has lent his support to those bidding to get minicabs licensed.

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey, and Liberal Democrat colleagues Vincent Cable ( Twickenham), and Jenny Tonge ( Richmond Park), are backing the campaign to bring London minicab rules in line with the rest of the country.

The capital is the only major area in Britain where such rules- designed for the safety and peace of mind of passengers- are not in force.

It was no surprise that last year 66 women in Greater London made formal allegations of sexual assault against minicab drivers. Of those, 18 were for charges of rape.

The Guardian has teamed up

with sister paper the Surrey Comet to get something done.

The matter could be brought before the House of Commons soon and the three local MPs have promised to present the petition, showing the strength of feeling about the issue.

Police are still hunting a minicab driver who made sexual advances to a 21-year-old woman in East Molesey earlier this year, forcing her to leap from the moving car.

If you feel strongly about this, please sign the petition in the Surrey Comet published tomorrow and return it to us at 26, York Street, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3LJ.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.