Hi-tech hailing for minicabs

Minicabs will for the first time be allowed to pick up passengers in the street in a bid to overcome a severe shortage of black taxis in the City.

Under the Corporation of London's trial scheme, computer terminals on streets will enable people to hail a minicab from 6.30pm to 5am. For £1, the terminals will contact a cab firm, check availability and issue a ticket with the registration of the vehicle. The cab should arrive within minutes.

Currently only London's 20,000 black cabs can be hailed on the street.

But a three-year drive to get more black cabs into the City has failed. The new scheme will start next month and if successful could be extended across London to tie in with the Mayor's plan to license minicabs.