How to identify a taxi
We are responsible for licensing taxi driver and vehicles in the district.
This makes sure vehicles are safe, comfortable and properly insured and that drivers are fit and proper to hold a licence.
There are two types of licensed vehicles. These are:
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Hackney carriages can be used without pre-booking - you can hire at a taxi rank or hail in the street. They can also be pre-booked. These are white and are fitted with a meter. You pay the price shown on the meter when your journey ends. The licence plates for these vehicles are also white.
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Private hire vehicles These must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator and cannot be used without prior booking. You should be informed of the price of your journey at the time of booking. These vehicles are not licensed or insured to pick up customers without pre-booking. The licence plates for these vehicles are yellow.
Vehicle signage
We are currently introducing new signage for all of our vehicles so for a short time you may see different types of signs on our vehicles.
All licensed vehicles will have an extra licence plate on the back of the vehicle showing the licence registration number of the vehicle, the expiry date of the licence and the number of people the vehicle is licensed to carry.
Some will also have a sign on both rear passenger windows showing the licence number and our logo and a similar sign in the front windscreen.
Drivers' badges
All drivers will wear an identity badge and have one displayed inside the vehicle. These will show a photograph of the driver, the licence number and the expiry date of the licence. Always check a driver’s identify badge when you get into the vehicle.
We work hard to ensure that our licensed vehicles in the district are safe, but if you are unsure about the state of a vehicle or feel uneasy, do not get into the vehicle.
When using a taxi make a note of the licence number and name of the driver and if you feel unsafe at any time, ask to be let out in a busy well lit area. You could always take a photograph of the vehicle before or at the end of your journey.