What's The Difference?

 

The main difference between Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles is that Hackney Carriages can be hailed (“flagged down”) in the street or may be hired from a taxi rank. Private Hire vehicles must be pre-booked through a licensed Private Hire Operator.

Should a Private Hire driver accept a fare off the street which has not been pre-booked, he is committing an offence and is liable to be prosecuted. It is also important to note that anyone making a journey in a Private Hire vehicle which has not been pre-booked is likely to be uninsured for the journey.

It is important to note that not all types of vehicles are able to offer disabled access.

 

Hackney Carriages (Taxis)

 

All licensed Hackney Carriages:

• Can be a London-style cab or saloon car, displaying a roof sign and a WHITE plate at the rear of the vehicle, probably on the bumper.
• May “ply for hire” on the street or at ranks
• May be hailed in the street
• May be booked by telephone
• Must have a fare meter fitted which calculates and displays the precise fare to be paid for the journey
• Are subject to fare scales set by the Council, which must be displayed in the vehicle
• Are subject to annual inspections in addition to the standard MOT test
• Must hold a current vehicle insurance policy, specifying public hire use Must be driven by a driver licensed by Swindon Borough Council.

 

Private Hire Vehicles

 

All licensed Private Hire vehicles:

• Cannot legally be referred to as a “Taxi”
• Are either saloon cars, estate cars or MPV's and must display a YELLOW plate on the rear of the vehicle, probably on the bumper.
• MUST be booked in advance
• Are NOT subject to fare scales set by the Council. It is advisable to agree a fare before commencement of the journey.
• Are subject to annual inspections in addition to the standard MOT test
• Must hold a current vehicle insurance policy, specifying private hire use
• Must be driven by a driver licensed by Swindon Borough Council.

Disabled Access

Most Hackney Carriages are able to carry wheelchairs, however experience has shown that some of the new, larger electric wheelchairs are unable to be carried because they are too large to be placed in the vehicle safely. When booking a cab, it is advisable to mention that you have a wheelchair.

Hackney Carriage drivers do not charge any additional fee for carrying wheelchairs.

Every Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle must carry assistance dogs at no additional charge, and allow the dog to remain with the passenger during the journey. Assistance dogs are not just for people with sight problems, they are also for people who are hard of hearing or may have other special needs which may not be immediately obvious to the driver.

It is important to note that drivers may apply to be exempt from this condition due to a medical condition which has been certified by a medical practitioner. If you have an assistance dog please mention this when booking your vehicle. This will avoid a possible embarrassing situation