Web app helps keep you safe

The ‘Am I Safe?’ web application, which can be accessed by visiting www.amisafe.co.uk via any mobile smartphone, allows passengers to check the validity of a taxi or private hire vehicle before they open the car door.

Councillor Dave Taylor, who has special responsibility for licensing, said: “Luton Borough Council and SoLUTiONs – Luton’s Community Safety Partnership – are actively supporting the introduction of the scheme.

“Luton is pleased to be one of the first authorities to have the service available.

“Any initiative that increases safety for both passengers and licensed drivers is good news.”

Price-Thomson continued: “As a passenger you enter the registration of the vehicle you are about to get in to via the application on your mobile phone, Am I Safe? tells you whether the vehicle is licensed or not, the type of license it holds, make and model of the vehicle and the licencing area it is permitted to operate within.

“Am I Safe? then creates a ‘footprint’ of the search, storing time, location, car registration, and your username, making you traceable quickly if something was to happen. It also sends a copy of this information to your nominated friends and family by email.

“At the same time, the licensed driver (assuming that he/she is) will get an email with your username only, so they too know that if anything happens to them (or you) the journey is traceable.

“It prevents a problem before it exists – as being traceable makes people accountable.”

Price-Thomson concluded: “Unlike most mobile apps, Am I Safe? is web-based and can be accessed via any smartphone simply by visiting www.amisafe.co.uk on your mobile. Like a traditional app, you can add a button or bookmark to our app on your mobile phone navigation screen.