What is the difference between a taxi and a private hire vehicle?
Telford & Wrekin Council is making it easier for you to tell the difference by introducing distinctive new signs.
Yellow signs (pictured) have been fitted to the side doors of private hire vehicles licensed in Telford and Wrekin to show they are only for journeys that have been booked in advance.
These signs differentiate private hire vehicles from taxis (also known as Hackney Carriage Vehicles) which can be hailed in the street.
Nicky Minshall, Service Delivery Manager Public Protection said: “It is important that people know the difference.
“If you get into a private hire vehicle without booking it first, you may not be covered by insurance. The consequences for passengers could be devastating if it were involved in an accident.
“If a private hire driver lets you into an unbooked vehicle, they are breaking the law.
“Telford & Wrekin Council has very high licensing standards which drivers must reach for their safety and that of their passengers. These yellow signs are there to make it easier for people to recognise a private hire vehicle and be reassured that the driver meets those standards.”
What is the difference?
- Taxis (Hackney Carriages) are purpose built with access for at least one wheelchair. They can queue up at taxi ranks, be hailed in the street or pre-booked. They will have a meter and a fare table on display inside.
- Private hire vehicles are family-sized cars and multi-purpose vehicles which must be pre-booked.
Look out for the yellow signs on the door.
