Taxis, minicabs, and private hire vehicles: frequently asked questions
General
How can I tell that a minicab is properly licensed and safe?
Advice is available from Directgov - Taxi Safety [external website] and Directgov - Taxi and Private hire services [external website].
What is the difference between a taxi and a private hire vehicle?
Advice is available from Directgov - Taxi Safety [external website].
Who is responsible for licensing taxis and private hire vehicles?
Advice is available from Directgov - Taxi and Private hire services [external website].
Who should I contact if I have a complaint?
Advice is available from Directgov - Making a complaint about a taxi or private hire vehicle [external website].
Where can I find information about disability awareness training?
There are numerous organisations that offer awareness training tailored for taxi and private hire drivers. A good starting point is the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee's recently published 'Making Private Hire Services More Accessible to Disabled People - A Good Practice Guide'. This contains information on how to set up a training scheme, examples of best practice and details of some training providers.
What is a Taxicard scheme?
Advice is available from Directgov - Community transport and shop mobility [external website].
Accessibility Regulations
Why will it take so long to introduce accessibility regulations for taxis?
Ministers made a statement in 2003 about the intention to regulate in this area. Since that time, the Department has received a number of representations making the case for a broader range of disabled people' needs to be met in any regulations.
This is a complex issue and the Department needs to do it properly. That means catering for a range of disabilities and how this is reflected in the design of vehicles. But we also need to consider the make up of the industry. Many drivers are self employed or employed by operators with small fleets, particularly in rural areas for example. Any changes have to be fair on them as well so that they can respond to them.
Until regulations are introduced, it will remain for individual licensing authorities to determine their accessibility policies in consultation with the local trade and disabled people. The Department has issued guidance to authorities advising those who wish to introduce such policies about the factors they will want to consider.
Will I have a chance to comment on the proposals?
The proposals are still being developed but consultation on the full package of measures, including the technical requirements, will follow in the summer of 2008.
This website will be regularly updated with information as the proposals are progressed. If, however, you would like to log your interest in receiving the consultation paper now, please e-mail us (at [email address]@dft.gsi.gov.uk) with your postal address and a contact telephone number and we will ensure you receive a copy when it is published.
[pagebreak]Carriage of Assistance Dogs
What are my rights?
Drivers of licensed taxis have been under a duty to carry, free of charge, any guide, hearing and certain other assistance dogs travelling with a disabled person. Since 31 March 2004, a similar duty has applied to the drivers of licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs). In addition, PHV operators will be under a duty to accept a booking made by, or on behalf of, a disabled person and will not be allowed to make an additional charge for carrying an assistance dog.
It is important to note that drivers of licensed taxis and PHVs can still reuse to accept a fare for the same reason that they might refuse any other passenger, for example, if your destination is outside their licensing area.
Publications explaining the duties aimed at licensing authorities, the trade and disabled people themselves have been produced (see 'Publications and other resources' section for further information).
What types of dog are covered?
Guide Dogs: those trained by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association;
Hearing Dogs: those trained by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; and
Other Assistance Dogs: those trained to assist other disabled people by Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners.
Taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have been told how to identify these animals, so it is important that guide dogs wear a harness and other assistance dogs wear a jacket with the name of the charity that trained them. If an identification card was issued for the dog, this should also be carried. Dogs should remain on the floor and under control at all times.
What happens if a driver won't take a dog?
Advice is available from Directgov - Your rights [external website].
A driver who refuses to carry an assistance dog, or makes a charge for carrying it, is guilty of an offence and could be fined up to £1,000 unless he or she has an exemption (see below for an explanation of which drivers are exempt from the duty).
Some drivers are exempt from the duty, how will I know which ones?
Drivers of taxis or private hire vehicles who can prove to their licensing authority that they have a medical condition, such as severe asthma, which is aggravated by contact with dogs may apply for an exemption. A driver who has been granted an exemption will display a 'Notice of Exemption' on the windscreen or dashboard of their vehicle. Examples of the different types of Notice are available here.
There are no exemptions available for operators.
Who should I contact if I have a complaint?
Advice is available from Directgov - Making a complaint about a taxi or private hire vehicle [external website].
