Taxi (hackney carriage) and private hire licensing

Follow the safety advice below to make sure your journeys are safe and secure.

General safety advice

• Book it in advance with any company or trusted taxi driver
• Ensure you leave a trail that can be retraced easily by having a record of your call and journey information
• Travel home with friends where possible
• Keep fare money separate so you don't spend it
• Have your mobile with you to find out if the taxi/private hire vehicle is safe

You need to check

• Licence plate on the rear of the vehicle – make a note or take a photo, it is the unique reference to that vehicle
• Ask that the driver shows you their badge, and that the photo is a true likeness so that you know they are who they say they are – make a note of the badge number or take a photo
• All taxi journeys should be undertaken with the meter on (see above), this is in your clear view
• If the meter is not on ask the driver to put it on – make a note or take a photo
• The maximum fee is shown on the meter and you should not pay more than that, and this fare is for one or more people
• Always ask for a receipt especially if you think it is an excessive fare - make a note or take a photo
• Drivers should not ask you for money up front, if they do make a note or take a photo and go to the next taxi on the rank, if a taxi marshal is present tell them
• If the driver on a taxi rank refuses to take you, especially if it is a short journey - make a note or take a photo, if a taxi marshal is present tell them
• If you have any concerns regarding refusal to take you, or any other reason make a note or take a photo

When making a note or taking a photo - we need the following:

• plate number which is on the rear of the vehicle and inside on the windscreen
• drivers badge number, name or the vehicle registration number

Last updated Wednesday, 2nd August 2023

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