Taxi hire is available in two forms in the UK: Hackney carriages, which can be hailed from the street, and private hire taxis that can only be booked in advance.
Hackney Carriages: If you’re not quite sure exactly when or where you’ll need to catch a taxi from (for example if you’re going sightseeing) then a Hackney carriage (named after early horse drawn carriages) could be your best option. These are commonly black cabs, but also cover any taxis that have a yellow light – this is a sign that the taxi can be flagged down from the street. They are often found in London and other large cities. Catch them as you see them drive past, or you can find them at a taxi rank.
Licensed/ Private Taxis/ Minicabs: This type of taxi is available in all cities and towns, often offering cheaper services than the Hackney carriage, but they must be booked in advance (even if this only means a few minutes in advance). Simply phone up the taxi operator and book for a specific time or their next available slot. They can then pick you up from your home or any other arranged location. These taxis are not licensed to pick you up when you hail them from the street, which explains why they might drive right past you even if they aren’t carrying passengers.
Making Sure Your Taxi Is Licensed
For your own safety it’s important to only take licensed taxis in the UK. Taxi drivers are required to have their ID card within the taxi, and they should also display a taxi license next to their licence plate. If you can’t see a license then avoid travelling in that taxi, as your safety may be at risk, and the drivers may not have insurance. You can ask the driver to show you his or her ID badge if you’re in any doubt.
Finding the Right Taxi Service
There are generally a wide range of taxi services to choose from in any town or city around the UK. If booking in advance, you can find numbers in the Yellow Pages or online. If you’re travelling from a restaurant or hotel then the staff there will generally be happy to book a taxi on your behalf.
Taxi drivers are only allowed to take on a limited number of passengers depending on the size of their vehicle. If you are part of a large group you may need several taxis or a service that offers a people carrier. You should also let the operator know if you’ll be carrying a lot of luggage which will need to be accommodated in the vehicle.
Taxi drivers generally know their way around the local area, from experience or with the help of satellite navigation, making it a convenient way to get around if you aren’t quite sure how to get somewhere.
For longer journeys, such as airport transfers, it’s well worth phoning the taxi firm in advance to negotiate a fixed fee – otherwise you will generally pay a set price according to the distance travelled on your journey.