14/04/2022
Understand the difference between a taxi and private hire vehicle
Knowing the differences between taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles can help you make an informed choice when travelling in Argyll and bute council.
Taxis and private hire vehicles may differ in:
their visual features
their requirements for carrying out journeys
the way their fares are set
Taxis (hackney carriage vehicles)
Taxis (hackney carriages) can be saloons, wheelchair accessible vehicles or London-style black cabs.
A taxi can be identified by:
a licence plate attached to the back of the vehicle window
a “taxi” roof sign that will light up when the taxi is available
The licence plate should provide the licence number, vehicle details and licence expiry date. Taxis can have door signs on the front doors.
Taxis can be pre-booked but you can also flag them down or approach a driver at a taxi rank.
The council sets taxi fares and drivers cannot charge more than the amount showing on the meter at the end of your journey. The only exception to this is where your journey will finish outside of the council area and you have agreed the fare beforehand.
Private hire vehicles (minicabs)
A licensed private hire vehicle (minicab) is identified by:
a licence plate attached to the back of the vehicle
a licence plate attached to front grill of the vehicle
door signs on both front doors
These plates and signs have argyll and bute council logo on them and should provide the licence number, vehicle details and licence expiry date.
Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator. If the vehicle isn’t pre-booked the vehicle may not be insured and the driver would be breaking the law.
The council cannot set fares charged for private hire journeys. You should get a quote from the operator before booking your journey. Drivers are not allowed to charge more than the amount you agree with the operator.
Executive private hire vehicles
Executive private hire vehicles are only used to carry out corporate contract work. Journeys must be pre-booked through a licensed operator via an account or contract.
It may be an executive private hire vehicle if:
the number plate is on back
there are door stickers
the driver is smartly dressed
the vehicle is of a high specification
All licensed drivers are required to wear a photographic identity badge that should be clearly visible when driving a licensed vehicle.
ALL OUR VEHICLES ARE PRIVATE HIRE and 15% cheaper than a taxi
