ANGRY taxi drivers say not enough is being done to combat the scourge of illegal mini cabs in Redbridge.

Despite both covert and high visibility policing by the London Cab Enforcement Unit, licenced black cab drivers say illegal taxi touting is still rife across Wanstead and Woodford.

London Assembly Member for Redbridge, Roger Evans, raised the issue of illegal minicabs in Wanstead High Street and near Funky Mojoes bar on South Woodford High Road during a meeting with Boris Johnson last month.

Mr Johnson said a special police unit regularly carries out patrols in South Woodford to help crack down on the problem, adding: “Two of these operations have focused on Mojoes and led to a number of arrests.”

He said that a joint operation with Wanstead Safer Neighbourhood Team had been planned for 2008, but that it was eventually relocated to Gants Hill, “due to more specific intelligence received.”

Black cab driver Mark Thurbin, of Marlborough Road, Clayhall, said the level of illegal touting in the area was getting worse due to the credit crunch, and that urgent action was needed to stamp out the trade.

He added: “You get these guys who hang about outside a club with a clipboard and call taxis for the customers.

“They look all official but actually it's illegal.

“I have friends who have started working more in Redbridge because they think they'll get more work and you wouldn't believe what it's like.

“I suppose it's to do with the climate of the whole economy that more people are having a go at driving themselves but most of them have no insurance so if they crash you're not protected.

“It can also be more dangerous for women so it's not good for anyone and it's something that should be cracked down on.”

These views were back by fellow black cabbie Andy Simpson of Chigwell Road, South Woodford.

He said: “These people are often really dodgy. You’re risking your life every time you get into one of their cabs because they are totally unregulated.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Police said: “Illegal mini-cabs are a cause for concern and when we become aware of them we try to mount operations to deal with the matter, as we have done at these premises in the past.

“I would strongly urge your readers not to use such cabs for two main reasons. Firstly, not being regulated you cannot be sure that the vehicle is either roadworthy or insured. Secondly, and more importantly, there has been a history of sex attacks by drivers of such vehicles on female passengers.”

Funky Mojos declined to comment.