Travel safety advice
Bear these tips in mind when travelling:
- Plan your journey in advance as much as possible. Make sure you know your route and stop
- Check the times of the last buses and Tubes/trains
- Always try to wait for your bus or train in a well lit place
- Have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet is out of sight. Keep bags zipped and valuables secure
- Look out for Help points and passenger alarms - use them if you feel threatened. These will connect you to a member of staff
- If you feel concerned about your safety on the bus, sit close to the driver. If you are on the Tube or train, move to a carriage where there are other people
- Report any unattended bags, luggage or suspicious activity immediately to a member of staff, a police officer or use the green emergency button on the station Help point
- Park your cycle where it can be seen in a designated parking facility. Don't leave it in the same place every day
- Lock your cycle securely - lock both wheels and the frame to the cycle stand or another immoveable object
- Take removable items with you, for example lights and pump, and register your cycle
- Learn more about on cycle security and avoiding theft
- Always used a licensed taxi (black cab) or licensed, booked minicab
- Book your minicab by phone, email or in a minicab office. Never approach or accept a journey from a minicab driver off the street. Only taxis (black cabs) can be stopped by customers and can pick up off the street
- When your booked minicab arrives, make sure the minicab driver can confirm your name and your destination. Check this before you get in the vehicle
- Check the minicab driver's photo ID
- Always sit in the back and, if possible, carry a mobile phone
- Trust your instincts - If you are in any doubt do not get in the vehicle. If you become worried about your safety ask the driver to stop and get out of the car - preferably in a busy area.
- Never risk taking an unbooked minicab. You can also use Cabwise to have your two nearest minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) number texted to your phone
Walking
- Think about your route - is there somewhere you could go if you felt threatened? The best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people
- Avoid using shortcuts and badly lit areas
- Keep your mind on your surroundings. Look confident and walk purposefully to your destination
- Never accept a lift from someone you don't know, even if you are cold, tired or it's very late
Transport for London