Taxi and private hire vehicle awareness |
| Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle
Awareness | |
Due to common misuse of the word "Taxi", members
of the public have come to believe that any car which takes people
from A to B and charges a fare for the journey is a
"Taxi".
What is a Taxi (or Hackney Carriage
Vehicle)?
In Telford & Wrekin all taxis are hackney carriages only. These
are the London style black cabs (although there are variations in
colour) which display "TAXI" and are identified by a white Telford
& Wrekin plate. These vehicles operate on a scale of fares
approved by the Council, programmed into a sealed meter. A card
must be displayed giving the current tables of fares.
Taxis can be hailed, and booking of the vehicle before the journey
takes place is not required.
What is a Private Hire Vehicle?
A private hire vehicle is a family sized saloon, estate or people
carrier and is identified by an illuminated roofsign and a yellow
plate. Vehicles are not permitted to display a "TAXI" sign. The
vehicles operate from a licensed base and can only be hires by
prior booking with one of the private hire companies. It is illegal
for a private hire vehicle to pick up an unbooked fare. There are
no requirements for a meter. Each journey is a separate agreement
between the operator and passenger.
Do you know that if you flag down a private hire vehicle, you may
not be insured in the event of injury in an accident?
A hackney carriage vehicle (taxi) can be flagged down in the street
or, booked in advance or hired from one of the taxi ranks. A
private hire vehicle can only be hired by booking in advance.
Are you a woman who prefers a female taxi/private hire
driver?
There are companies in Telford who have
female drivers.
How to ensure your personal safety.
If you
book a taxi or private hire vehicle ALWAYS ask the driver who they
have come to pick up. If the driver does not give you the correct
name DO NOT GET IN THE VEHICLE. Before getting into the car check
that the driver is wearing a badge and that the badge has a photo
of that particular driver. If the driver cannot show you a valid
badge DO NOT GET IN THE VEHICLE.
If you are unaccompanied, it is suggested that you sit in the rear
seat of a private hire vehicle, preferably the seat directly behind
the driver.
How do I complain or find lost property?
If
you have left behind personal property in a taxi/private hire
vehicle, or you wish to make a complaint about a driver, vehicle or
operator, you should note the time, date and place, together with
at least one of the following:
- Drivers name or identification badge number (which
drivers should wear at all times)
- Vehicle registration number
- Vehicle plate/roofsign number
In the first instance you should contact the company concerned.
If you are unable to do this or feel you are treated
unsatisfactorily by the company, telephone the Licensing department
for Telford & Wrekin on 01952 383261 or 01952 383262, or write
to:
Senior Licensing Officer
Telford & Wrekin Council
Darby House
Lawn Central
PO Box 212
Telford. TF3 4LB
After 48 hours a check for lost property should be made at the Lost
Property Office at Malinsgate Police Station as all drivers must
hand in all found property to a police station. The telephone
number to call is 01952
290888. | |
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| Please note - Some documents published before
1st December 2006 may contain incorrect contact
numbers. |
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