What's needed is for a few more senior judges and politicians to get broken into and seriously frightened, or even hurt. Might see a bit more sense pumped into the law then - but don't hold your breath.

Talk to your licensing panel, or local cabbie group.

Personally without any barier, I think you'd be potty. Most cabs ask for payment upfront at night these days, and any that kick off about such a policy are usually not going to pay!

What bbout having a camera that records the passengers, might help.