Taxi Driver Online

This is slightly different from the norm for this genre. Quite a complex read at times too, so I wonder how much of if permeates down to the average punter, even assuming they do read it?

There's a bit of a sideways reference to cross-border cars, for example, but it's not really explained. Which is maybe just as well, because I doubt if any member of the public would really take it all in...

Some iffy and impractical advice, too. Not sure about the way they refer to 'taxi touts' for example, which is potentially confusing. Neither a licensed HC nor PHV driver can tout either, never mind totally fake drivers...

And a reminder that the 'black cabs' in Newcastle-under-Lyme are actually saloons. But they're black


Top 10 things to know about getting a taxi at Christmas time

With Christmas around the corner, our licensing team have some helpful tips if you are booking and using taxis over the festive period.

https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/new ... stmas-time

Know the difference between taxis (black cabs) and private hire vehicles (minicabs)

Commonly known as taxis, they may all look the same but there are some important differences.

Only black cabs are legally allowed to stop when hailed – minicabs must be pre-booked using an operator. All black cabs licensed by the borough council have a white stripe on both sides, display white licence plates and have a taxi roof light.

Minicabs can be any colour – apart from black – and display white licence plate, with green borders, on the front and back.

Take a picture of the vehicle licence plate

It is a good idea to keep a record of what vehicle you are getting into. You can take a photograph of the front or back of the car. If you need to report a problem, you can send the photo to us or the police.

Do not get into the taxi until you are sure it is yours

It is tempting to just jump into a taxi, particularly if it is raining, but it is always best to double check it’s yours. A lot of pre-booked minicab services send you the type, colour of the vehicle and the registration number, so it is just a case of quickly checking the number plate whilst you are getting that photo.

Tell a friend or family member how you are getting home

Always inform a friend or family member about what car you are in and who you are travelling with. You can ‘Share your location’ using most mapping apps so that they can track your journey home or you could send the picture of the registration number to them in a text so that they have it if you think they may be asleep.

If you are travelling alone, always sit in the back

When travelling alone, always sit behind the driver and keep conversations professional and light.

Chatting about the weather and how busy it has been while you are out are fine but don’t chat about anything too personal as this can lead to misunderstandings on both sides of the conversation.

Beware of taxi touts

Touts are unregistered, untraceable and uninsured drivers who attempt to pick up customers in busy areas, often offering cheaper fares. Always go to a recognised black cab rank or pre-book a minicab with a licensed and fully insured operator.

Always ask how much the fare will be

If you are booking a minicab, confirm the fare with the driver before setting off. They don’t need to have a meter as there isn’t a limit to charges.

If you get into a black cab, ask them to put the meter on before you set off and how much it might be. If you are travelling within the borough you can’t be charged more than the end fare on the meter. If you are travelling outside the borough, a fare above the one displayed on the meter can be agreed before you set off. If you don’t agree one then you can’t be charged more than the fare on the meter. The driver is entitled to a deposit but at the end of the journey, it must be returned to the passenger or discounted from the fare that is left to pay.

Local tariffs for black cabs change over the festive period depending on the time of day or night so the maximum they can charge is more on days like New Year’s Eve.

Never take a taxi with a stranger

Ask a close friend to get you home safely together in another taxi instead.

Don’t be afraid to ask to see the driver’s badge

Drivers must wear their licence badge on their person when working and a vehicle copy should be displayed on the dashboard. There should be no problem in asking to see it and the we must have issued it if you are in a borough council vehicle. If it is issued by another council then the vehicle should also have a licence plate issued by that council.

If you experience a problem, always report it

The photo of the plate can again come in handy, as it will help to identify the vehicle particularly if you are using a black cab. You can report any issues to our licensing department. You can also complain to the licensed operator if you have arranged a pre-booked minicab but this will depend on the issue that you have had. If it is of a more serious nature then you should also report it to the police.

I'd guess that if whoever writes this kind of stuff actually did the job for a few years they might reassess this kind of advice by then


On the other hand, this is a good example of stating the absolute obvious. And I suspect that if someone did decide to take a taxi with a stranger they'd have a good rationale for it (if perhaps a bit reckless), and this kind of official advice isn't going to have the slightest impact.

This today from Milton Keynes underlines the advice about not taking taxis with strangers, though.

Seems a strange time of the day to share a taxi with a complete stranger, though, and also a strange time for something like this to happen - 6.15pm in July, thus broad daylight. And why so long to release this photo - five months


Image released following reports of indecent exposure – Milton Keynes

https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news ... on-keynes/


Image: Thames Valley Police

Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a man officers would like to speak to as they may have vital information regarding reports of an indecent exposure in Milton Keynes.

The incident occurred on Friday 28 July around 6.15pm in the Wolverton Road area.

The victims, two girls in their teens, were travelling in a taxi when another male passenger exposed themselves.

Investigating officer PC Thomas Templar, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who recognises the man in this image or if it is you, to please get in touch as they may have vital information about this incident.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43230336119.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

who are you for mate ? yeah that's us

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector