Taxi passengers
Make sure your taxi or private hire vehicle is safe and legal:
- A licensed vehicle will display a licence plate on the rear of the vehicle.
- A licensed driver will wear or display an identity badge with the driver’s licence number and licensing authority details.
Staying safe
- Sit in the back of the vehicle
- Keep your mobile phone where it is easily accessible
- If you feel uneasy, make a note of the number plate and driver’s licence number and text them to a friend or family member
To report any concerns:
Contact the Licensing Team:
- Call 01993 861000
- Email ers@publicagroup.uk
The different sorts of taxis explained
There are two types of vehicle which carry fare paying passengers - Hackney Carriages (Taxis) and Private Hire Vehicles, both of which must be licensed.
| Taxi type | Hackney Carriages | Private hire vehicles |
| Booking | Can be found on taxi ranks. Booking not required. | Must be booked in advance.Do not use a vehicle if you feel unsafe or the vehicle is in a state of disrepair. |
| Meter | Yes | No |
| Fares | Set fare scales displayed in the vehicle. The precise fare is calculated by a meter. | Fare should be agreed before journey begins. |
| Meter | Yes - fitted in the vehicle. | No |
| Licence colour | Blue | Yellow |
