Taxi passenger advice - tips for safer travel
Here is a guide on how to stay safe when travelling by taxi - particularly when travelling alone.
Always use a licensed taxi. Licensed drivers must wear their licence badge, which includes a photograph and expiry date.
How do I tell if my taxi is licensed?
• There are two types of taxi: a hackney carriage (black cab) that can be flagged down or pre-booked and a private hire vehicle that can only be pre-booked.
• All licensed taxis in Telford & Wrekin have a plate fixed to the rear and front of the vehicle, displaying a unique licence number (white plates for hackney carriages (black cab) and yellow plates for private hire vehicles.
Tips to help you stay safe:
Private Hire Vehicles
Never get into a private hire vehicle you have not pre-booked as it will not be insured to carry you and may not be licensed.
Know what to look for. Before you leave for a night out make sure you have money to get home and that your mobile is fully charged. If you can, pre-book your return vehicle before going out and arrange to be picked up from a safe meeting point. At the time of booking ask what the fare is likely to be.
When using a private hire vehicle:
• Book with a licensed operator
• Ask if there’s a call-back service
• Confirm your booking with the driver when s/he arrives. Note the licence number
• Always sit in the back, behind the driver
• Let your friends know when you are going home.
Hackney Carriage Vehicles
• All Telford & Wrekin licensed hackney carriages are wheelchair accessible and can carry 5 or more passengers.
• Hackney carriages fares are calculated using a meter. If your journey is outside of the Telford & Wrekin boundary the driver is not obliged to use the meter – please negotiate the fare with the driver before you start your journey.
• Only Hackney Carriages (black cabs) can be flagged down in the street (they can also be pre-booked)
