A taxi firm has invested thousands in a computer system to save its customers having to wait in the street.

Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs claim to be the first company in the South to have bought the system which calls customers back when their taxi has arrived.

Firm owner Tony Turner said it bought the sophisticated system for their customers' convenience and safety.

He said: "Many people don't feel safe waiting in the street or don't want to because it is raining.

"It is particularly good for Brighton and Hove because of the number of people who live in blocks of flats and have to wait by the front door."

This week all customers phoning for a taxi have been asked if they want the service which rings their phone three times when their cab is waiting outside.

The service is particularly aimed at pensioners and women who are travelling alone.

So far customers seem to like the system, which was designed by the Hertfordshire-based software company Auriga.

They initially designed the system for use in high-rise and high-risk crime areas.

Mr Turner said: "We have already had a good response because customers can wait inside their home, relax, watch television or have a drink until the taxi arrives while drivers do not have to get out of their cab.

"Call back is already used in trouble areas near high-rise flats in places like Glasgow where people don't feel safe waiting outside."

Drivers activate the system from their cab's computer when they arrive at their pick-up point.

A Sussex Police spokesman said the system was a good idea.

He said: "We would welcome any move to protect vulnerable people who might otherwise find themselves waiting on the streets for a taxi."

It is not the first time Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs, which has been operating in the two towns for more than 35 years, has invested in technology to boost business.

Last year it fitted global positioning systems on its fleet of 150 taxis to try to deter car thieves.

The system soon paid for itself after the firm was quickly able to track down one of its cabs soon after it was stolen.