Taxi and Private Hire
Taxis (Hackney Carriages) and Private Hire Vehicles are licensed to ensure that
they are suitable and safe for you to travel in.
The plate on the rear of the vehicle identifies the type of
licence it holds. The plates clearly state the licence type,
licence number (beginning with H or P) along with the registration,
description and maximum number of passengers. (See below)
The laws covering Hackney Carriages and Private Hire
vehicles is quite different. In brief, a Hackney can:
- stand on a rank
- be flagged down in the street
- be booked through a licensed operator
A Private Hire vehicle can only accept pre-booked calls.
If a Private Hire driver picks up from
a rank or from being flagged down, not only are they committing an
offence, but their insurance may be also be invalid.
Taxi & Private Hire Driver Safety
Taxi and PHV drivers often have to work in isolated places, at
night, deal with strangers and carry cash, all of which makes them
particularly vulnerable to violence.
See: Driver
Safety Advice (external link) from the Department for
Transport (DfT)
Complaints about Taxis
If the complaint is about a private hire vehicle or taxi booked
through a company, you should first complain to the company.
- If you aren't happy with how they treat your complaint
- If the driver is self-employed
- If the taxi was hailed in the street or from a rank
Please contact us to make a
complaint.