Taxi Driver Online

The usual slew of articles about 'staying safe' at Christmas by taking a licensed 'taxi'. Have read several, and it's the predictable stuff about there being two types of taxi - hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. Then they advise people to take a car from a 'taxi' rank. How to deliberately confuse or wot?

This one from Rugby is a bit more explicit in its reference to 'private hire taxi drivers' etc

(To be fair, the advice about using 'taxi' ranks here is a bit more specific than some who refer to two types of taxis, and then refer simply to using taxi ranks. But, I mean...)


Stay safe this Christmas and take a licensed cab

https://www.rugby.gov.uk/w/stay-safe-th ... censed-cab

WITH the start of the festive party season, revellers have been urged to stay safe and check whether taxis have a licence before travelling.

Rugby Borough Council's licensing team has issued simple steps residents can take to travel by taxi with confidence over Christmas - starting with checking both the cab and its driver have licences.

Licensed taxis have a licence plate attached to the rear of the vehicle, detailing which council has licensed the cab, the licence number, vehicle registration and the licence's expiry date.

A badge on the taxi's dashboard or front windscreen should also display the information.

Private hire taxis must be booked in advance and cannot pick up fares on the street.

Private hire taxi drivers who pick up passengers on the street risk prosecution, while passengers have no insurance in the event of an accident.

Rugby's white, Hackney carriage taxis pick up passengers from one of the town centre's taxi ranks - outside New Look and the Clock Tower in North Street, and outside the railway station in Railway Terrace - while passengers can also hail Hackney carriages on the street.

Drivers of both private hire and Hackney carriage cabs must also be licensed, and should wear a photo ID badge.

Passengers should ask to see the ID before travelling to make sure the driver has a taxi licence.

Cllr Claire Edwards, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities and homes, regulation and safety, said: "With increased demand for taxis over the festive period, it's important passengers know how to identify a licensed cab and driver before travelling.

"It's always worth checking your taxi and its driver have a licence, and make a note of which council has licensed the cab or driver, as some taxis operating in Rugby have licences issued by other councils.

"Should you wish to make a complaint about a driver who has been licensed by another council, you'll need to tell us which council in order for us to investigate.

"We want all our residents to enjoy the festive party season and stay safe this Christmas," Cllr Edwards added.

"By taking the time to make a few simple checks, you can help make sure you get home safely after a night out."

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, leader of Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group, added: "Residents need to feel safe, especially at this time of year, and using licensed taxi operators give that security.

"If anyone has concerns about a taxi or taxi driver, make sure you get the badge or licence plate number and report it to the council."

Residents can make a complaint about a taxi and/or driver online at www.rugby.gov.uk/reportaproblem

And, of course, commonplace for English local authorities to use the t-word generically to refer to both HCs and PHVs. And then you get to HM Govt's stuff like the best practice guidance, and they use the t-word specifically for HCs

This is a press rehash of a Bolton Council news release, which is very generic with the t-word, and very specific about the two types of taxi - hackney carriages and private hire vehicles

But then witters on about 'taxi ranks', and 'taxi marshalls' and 'taxi queues' at said ranks. Therefore...

(Most relevant bits highlighted.)


Bolton Council issues taxi reminders for Christmas period

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/24 ... as-period/

Bolton Council has issued reminders for taxi passengers this Christmas and New Year season.

With the increased demand for the private hire and hackney carriage trade, the council emphasised the need for public safety and "high professional standards".

A taxi marshal scheme will operate at the Bradshawgate taxi ranks on Friday and Saturday evenings, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve from midnight until 5am, aiming to help vulnerable people, reduce illegal pick-ups, and control taxi queues.

The council also warned against anti-social behaviour towards drivers, saying it would be reported to the police.

All Bolton licensed hackney carriage and private hire drivers are required to have completed the "Trust2Ride" training, equipping them to respond when they suspect a passenger may be at risk.

Passengers are urged to look out for the Trust2Ride accreditation stickers.

The council also pointed out that Bolton-licensed private hire vehicles should display front and rear plates, large back door signs, and internal vehicle and driver information.

Passengers should ensure that the information on these signs matches.

Other advice includes wearing seatbelts, keeping taxis clean, being prepared to pay upfront, and knowing the difference between hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.

Passengers are encouraged to snap a photo of the vehicle details and licence plate to send to a friend or family member for added safety.

Cllr Sue Haworth, the council’s executive cabinet member with responsibility for licencing, said: "Thank you to all in Bolton town centre and in the borough’s other towns, villages and neighbourhoods who are working evening and night hours so many of us can very much enjoy the festive season.

"Following the 12 days of Christmas for taxi passengers will be greatly appreciated as it’s a tried and tested way to keep you safe."

More information can be found on the Bolton Council website, and any suspicious activity can be passed on to the Bolton Council licensing team at licensing.unit@bolton.gov.uk

...and to that extent it would be useful if the article actually explained the difference, and the relevance thereto in terms of hiring etc

Instead, it implies they're both 'taxis', and then chunters on about 'taxi ranks', 'taxi queues' etc

And, for what it's worth, this is the official Bolton Council news release on which the above press rehash was based.

And, to be fair, there's a bit more information here, particularly about the HC/PHV difference in terms of identification and hiring

But, again, the t-word is used generically, and it's then back to the HC/PH stuff, taxi ranks, and HCs being 'traditional taxis' (thus alluding that PHVs are non-traditional taxis )

As for the hiring methods, again that's a tad deficient. It says only HCs can be hailed, and that PHVs can't be hailed.

But hailing to me means flagging down, and doesn't refer to a rank/static plying for hire scenario. To that extent, this below doesn't say that private hire 'taxis' can't be secured at a 'taxi' rank, or wherever


12 days of Christmas: key messages for taxi passengers this festive season

Published: Thursday, 5th Dec 2024

https://www.bolton.gov.uk/news/article/ ... ive-season

With the festive celebrations underway, Bolton Council has partnered with the hackney carriage and private hire trade, to issue twelve reminders for anyone taking a taxi over Christmas and New Year.

It’s a busy time of year for the town and district centres, with increased demand on the private hire and hackney carriage trade.

The council works closely with its partners in the trade to emphasise their duty of care to the public and ensure they meet the highest professional standards.

Taxi Marshals are here to help

A taxi marshal scheme will operate at the taxi ranks on Bradshawgate on Friday and Saturday evenings, Boxing Day and New Years eve from midnight until 5am.

Marshalling schemes have proven to be effective in helping vulnerable people, reducing illegal ‘pick-ups’, controlling taxi queues and reducing anti-social behaviour.

No Excuse for Abuse

Passengers who use anti-social behaviour towards drivers this party season will be reported to the police.

Trust2Ride

Bolton licensed hackney carriage and private hire drivers are all required to have completed the “Trust2 Ride” training.

The course equips drivers with the necessary tools to respond when they suspect a passenger may be vulnerable or at risk. Look out for the “Trust2Ride” accreditation stickers.

Look out for livery

Know what to look for when booking or hailing a vehicle. Private hire vehicles licensed by Bolton Council should display front and rear plates, large back door signs and internal vehicle and driver information.

Hackney carriage vehicles in Bolton are all purpose built (traditional style taxis) and should display a rear plate.

Make sure the information on the internal signs, door signs and plates match.

Buckle Up

Ensure you put on your seat belt as soon as you get in the taxi. It’s a simple and easy way to help keep you safe.

Help keep our taxis clean

Private hire and hackney carriage vehicles are for use by everyone.

Please keep them clean and safe by NOT eating, drinking, smoking or vaping whilst travelling. Don’t forget to check, before leaving the vehicle, that you have all your belongings.

Be prepared to pay upfront

Over the busy Christmas period, drivers may ask you to pay for your journey upfront. This is normal practice, and drivers are legally entitled to request it.

Get Home Safe #GHS

Organised by the Best Bar None initiative, the #Get Home Safe scheme aims to raise awareness of the rules around private hire vehicles and prevent the use of unlicensed vehicles.

Private hire vehicles must be booked in advance of pick-up, have a licence plate on the front and back of their vehicle, a sign on the back door, display internal stickers and the driver must wear their private hire driver’s badge where it can be clearly seen.

Know the difference

Only hackney carriage vehicles (traditional style taxis) can be “hailed” in the street.

Available vehicles will have a lit sign. Look out for a white plate with the vehicle licence number displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Private hire vehicles (saloon type cars and up to 8 seater minibuses) can only be booked through an operator (booking office/base/booking app).

Do not try to ‘hail’ a private hire vehicle as you will not be insured in the event of an accident.

Snap a photo

When taking a taxi home, consider taking a photo of the vehicle details and licence plate to message to a friend or family member. Genuine drivers will understand the reasoning behind this.

Spot checks

Over the Christmas period, Bolton Council officers will be carrying out several vehicle spot checks. These are essential to ensure the safety of the public.

If you are a passenger in a vehicle when it is stopped, please be patient. If officers need to suspend the vehicle, an alternative will be found for you.

Report anything suspicious

If you see anything suspicious, report it to Bolton Council licensing team at licensing.unit@bolton.gov.uk, Greater Manchester Police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency).

Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for licencing said:

“Thank you to all in Bolton town centre and in the borough’s other towns, villages and neighbourhoods who are working evening and night hours so many of us can very much enjoy the festive season.

“Following the 12 days of Christmas for taxi passengers will be greatly appreciated as it’s a tried and tested way to keep you safe.

“Please do stick to no eating, no drinking, no smoking and no vaping in taxis – it really helps, thank you.”

Mahmood Akhtar, Vice-Chairman of Bolton Private Hire Association, said:

“We’d like to wish everyone a safe journey through the festive period and a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year from Bolton Private Hire Association.”

I wonder if the only people who actually read these articles are taxi and PH drivers.

I'm more than certain punters don't, sadly they really couldn't care less as long as they get home.

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IDFIMH