Using taxis and private hire vehicles
There are 2 types of licensed vehicles for residents to use.
They are:
- Hackney carriage vehicles
- private hire vehicles
Hackney carriage vehicles (taxis)
Hackney carriage vehicles can be hailed in the street, and are traditionally known as black cabs or taxis.
Using Hackney carriage vehicles
Hackney carriage vehicles can be hailed from the street when:
- the 'For Hire' light is illuminated
- hired from a taxi rank
- booked in advance from an office or taxi company
Only licensed taxis have an external roof light displaying the word ‘TAXI’. They can also be recognised by a plate on the rear of the vehicle with our council logo and the plate number which is unique to that vehicle.
The rear plate also shows the make, model, maximum number of passengers, and the expiry date of the licence.
When the 'For Hire' light is on, taxi drivers cannot refuse a fare without a reasonable excuse.
Fares in Hackney carriage vehicles
All taxis must have a meter fitted within the vehicle which calculates the fare for a journey.
West Northants Council has set the maximum fares that can be charged for taxi journeys, which include any VAT.
However, it is up to the individual taxi driver whether or not they decide to charge the maximum fare - they can choose to charge less.
A table of fares must be displayed prominently inside the taxi for customers to be able to see the maximum fares that can be charged. Maximum fares vary depending on the time and day that you travel.
Taxi meters are required to be switched on when you are seated at the start of your journey. If a driver then wishes to make any discount, they can do so at the end of a journey.
For journeys that end outside of the West Northamptonshire area, taxi drivers may use the meter or agree a fare with the passenger before the journey starts.
A taxi driver can only charge a fare that is calculated from the point where you start your journey.
Private hire vehicles
Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked before you travel via a licensed private hire operator only. These vehicles cannot be hailed on the street in the same way as hackney carriage vehicles and you cannot book directly with the driver.
Using a private hire vehicle
Private hire operators provide a number of different methods to book vehicles with them including by telephone, using their app, or booking via their website. A small number of private hire operators take bookings in person at their offices.
When making a booking, you should be asked for information about you and your planned journey, including:
- your name
- pick-up location
- destination
- pick-up time
- how many passengers are travelling
If you have any particular needs that need to be catered for, you should let the private hire operator know at the time of the booking.
Examples may include if you have:
- a disability requiring additional assistance
- an assistance dog
- a large or bulky item
- luggage
It is a good idea to ask for an estimate of how much the journey will cost.
Private hire vehicles can be recognised by a green plate attached to the rear of the vehicle, with our council logo and the plate number which is unique to that vehicle.
The rear plate also shows the make, model, maximum number of passengers, and the expiry date of the licence.
Once your vehicle arrives, always check that it is the correct vehicle before getting in. It is common for the Operating Company that you booked with to send you details of the vehicle registration.
Always check these details when the vehicle arrives.
The driver should have your name and your destination. If the driver does not know your booking details, then you should call the company that you made the booking with to confirm the details.
Private hire vehicle features
Private hire vehicles must display a door sign on both sides with the words “This Vehicle Must be Pre-booked”.
If a private hire vehicle is travelling along a road looking for customers, they are acting illegally. They are therefore likely to be uninsured and are potentially dangerous.
Fares in private hire vehicles
Unlike hackney carriage fares, private hire fares are set by the individual private hire operator and are usually charged by a set amount per mile.
A lot of private hire operators now use electronic devices to calculate the fare using a Global Positioning System (GPS) which tracks the journey. Where these devices are used, they should be positioned in a manner which is clearly visible to the hirer.
Be taxi aware
Always plan your journey in advance and take a taxi or private hire vehicle you can trust by following these rules:
- make sure you only ever use a licensed vehicle displaying valid rear plates
- know the difference between a hackney carriage vehicle and a private hire vehicle. You can only hail (also known as flag) hackney carriages on the street, and private hire vehicles must be pre-booked
- pre-book your journey wherever possible, especially if you are travelling very late or early in the day
- wait for your booked vehicle to arrive. Never get into another vehicle if it arrives in advance of your booked vehicle
- know where the local taxi ranks are. See a list of taxi ranks in West Northamptonshire
- always check the driver's badge which should be clearly displayed
- ride with friends where possible. Sharing a vehicle is a great idea and you can share the cost
- do not get into a vehicle if it is booked for someone else. If the vehicle is pre-booked by another person you should wait for your vehicle to arrive
- only get into a vehicle when you are sure. If you have any doubts, don’t get in and order another vehicle
- make sure you check the fare table so you know you are paying the right price
Your rights as a passenger
When you have hired a taxi or pre-booked a private hire vehicle you have certain rights as a passenger.
The driver must:
- take you to your destination by the shortest route possible, unless you have a preferred route
- comply with any reasonable instructions you give
- not allow other passengers to share the vehicle without your agreement
- only charge the fare that is being shown on the meter unless the fare is agreed before the journey starts
If requested, the driver should:
- assist in loading and unloading luggage
- unless exempt, they should also carry it to and from a house, station or place where you are picked up or set down
Provide feedback
If you believe the standard of service that you have received from a licensed driver has exceeded what you expected, you may want to let the driver or the private hire company know.
If the standard of service has fallen short of what is expected, or the vehicle is not up to standard, you can report these matters to the Licensing Authority by submitting a complaint form.
Last updated 06 December 2024