yeah ok on re-reading my comment maybe it does deserve that thumbs down.
While it is correct, passenger details generally aren't recorded by mini-cab firms, details about the journey are, so in worse case scenario - i.e kidnap, assault or robbery for example, evidence does exist.
This record doesn't exist for black cabs hence the want for tighter controls. However Uber is, I'd argue, better than minicabs for recording this info.
Also as the tech now exists for easy journey recording etc, then this should be rolled out to black cabs also. They system could be run by the local authority so black cabs can remain independent.This would mean better evidence recording etc for black cabs, they could even justify relaxing the black cab regulations