Taxis and Licenses
Taxis (Hackney Carriages) and Private Hire
Vehicles together with their drivers and Private Hire Operators are
licensed by local authorities.
Licensing provides a visible assurance to the public that the
vehicle has been checked every six months for safety and that the
driver has been checked medically and is a fit to hold a licence.
Drivers have a criminal records check undertaken on them before
their licence is issued.
The main difference between Taxis (Hackney Carriages) and
Private Hire Vehicles is that taxis can ply for hire, i.e. the
vehicle and driver are immediately available for hire, whilst
private vehicles must be booked in advance, through a licensed
operator.
Each licensed vehicle is issued with a licence plate, updated
annually and which must be fixed to the rear of the vehicle.
Licensed drivers are issued with a photographic I.D. badge,
which must be worn at all times whilst acting as the driver of a
licensed vehicle.
If you would like to become a new licensed driver there are
several checks including an enhanced Criminal Record Bureau check,
and a medical is required.
Be Taxi-Wise - Tips on how to use
cabs safely
Find here top tips on how to use Taxis safely, together with
links to other relevant personal safety information
All passengers, particularly party-goers, clubbers and those who
like the occasional tipple are encouraged to be taxi-wise and take
care to ensure a safe journey when travelling to or from home by
taxi. Information about personal safety in taxis can be seen on the
taxiwise campaign website.
However, for those 'going out on the town', the Council would
encourage everyone to remember the following simple but important
safety tips:
- Stay alert at all times and remain in well lit areas
- Don't become separated from your friends
- Never accept a drink from someone you don't know
- Always have enough money to get yourself home
- Plan your journey home well in advance
- If possible, go to a designated taxi rank or hail a
licensed hackney carriage (with illuminated 'taxi' sign on it) from
the street
- If there is no nearby rank and no available taxis on the
street, pre-book your journey with a licensed taxi company
(preferably one you have used before and trust), giving your name,
pick-up point and destination, and ask for a booking reference
- DO NOT get into an unmarked car that has pulled up at the kerb
and asked if you require transport
- DO NOT attempt to flag down a licensed private hire car (one
without an illuminated 'taxi' sign) on the street - the driver is
not legally allowed to transport you and you will not be
insured
- If you're booking a vehicle to collect you from a public
venue, wait for the driver to come and find you
- Check the driver has your name and/or booking reference and
destination when he arrives. Verify that the phone number on his
vehicle matches the one you dialled and that the driver has
official identification with his photograph on it
- Before you get in, check the vehicle has a council licence
plate (usually fixed to the rear of the car) permitting the vehicle
to be used for that purpose
- DO NOT sit in the front with the driver - sit directly behind
him and have your mobile phone with you. If you have a problem with
the driver of a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, make a
note of the registration number and report it to the
Police
- If for any reason you feel unsure - DO NOT get
into the vehicle
Last updated
12/02/2010
Further Information
For further information please contact:
Licensing, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23
1PL
Telephone: 01233 330722 or 01233 330503
Fax: 01233 330469
Email: licensing@ashford.gov.uk
You can view local Taxi firms by visiting the
Yell website.
This webpage was updated on
2/17/2010