Frequently Asked Questions - Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
What is the difference between a taxi and
a private hire vehicle?
Where can I find a taxi?
Hackney carriage taxis can be hailed in the
street or from a taxi rank. They will display a white licence
plate at the rear of the vehicle.
Private hire vehicles, must be
pre-booked - either by phone, post or in person at the operator's
office. They will display a yellow licence plate at
the rear of the vehicle.
You can find details of the taxi ranks provided
by the Council by following this link taxi ranks in Peterborough
How are taxi and private hire fares calculated?
All hackney carriages (taxis) are fitted with taxi
meters. These calculate the fare based on the distance
travelled and any 'waiting time' which includes time when the taxi
is stopped in traffic. Fares are the same in hackney carriages
regardless of whether it is day or night. There is a
different price around Christmas and new year. The
Council sets a maximum tariff but taxi drivers can
charge less and may offer special promotional discounts. They
also offer fixed fares for journeys to airports. Private
hire fares are not subject to Council regulation and you should
agree a fare (or rate per mile) with the operator when booking the
journey.
What do taxis charge?
Click here to see the up to date
fares information.
How is the taxi fare tariff set?
When a proposal for a change in the Hackney Carriage Table of
Fares is received from the taxi trade, a consultation is carried
out to assess the level of support for the proposal. The
matter is normally discussed at the Taxi Trade Consultative Group
prior to consideration by the Licensing/Appeals Committee.
If the Committee agrees to proceed with the proposal, it is
advertised in a local newspaper. Any one who objects to the
change can make written representation to the Council. These
comments will then be considered by the Committee before a final
decision is reached.
If no objections to the proposal are received, the new Table
of Fares automatically comes into force on the date stated.
What should I do if I think I've been
overcharged?
The fare may be higher if you are held up in a traffic
jam or stop at traffic lights. If the taxi takes a
different route to avoid a known hold-up this can make the journey
longer but it may still work out cheaper than if you had sat in
traffic, clocking up 'waiting time'.
Having taken these things into consideration, if you think
that you have been overcharged and are unable to resolve the issue
with the driver/company, please contact the Licensing Enforcement
Team. You will need to provide the following details:
- Date and time of the journey
- Pick up point and drop off point
- Route taken
- Fare charged
- Number of passengers
- Details of the vehicle, including Hackney Carriage Licence Number
- Driver's Licence Number or name (if known)
- Your name, address and contact phone number
How does the Council make sure that taxi meters are
accurate?
All taxi meters are tested by the Council's Licensing
Team. Meters are calendar controlled and charge
single fares at all times . All
meters are calibrated over a measured mile and given a
colour coded seal by the Council to show
that they have been tested and to prevent tampering.
I need a wheelchair accessible taxi - who can I
contact?
All hackney carriage vehicles are wheelchair
accessible.
Some private hire vehicles can accommodate wheelchairs
too.
What does the Council do to ensure that taxi and
private hire drivers are suitable?
We work to ensure the safety of the public by
ensuring all drivers are CRB checked on
application and PNC checked on their
renewal. They are subject to a five year
certificate of good conduct.
The Council also sets standards of behaviour through the
Hackney Carriage Byelaws and the Driver Licence Conditions.
How do I make a complaint about the behaviour
of my driver?
If you were the hirer or passenger in a taxi or private
hire vehicle and have a complaint about the conduct
of the driver and are unable to resolve the issue with
the driver/company, please contact the Taxi Licensing Team.
You will need to provide the following details:
- Date and time of the journey
- Pick up point and drop off point
- Details of the vehicle, including Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle Licence Number
- Driver's Licence Number or name (if known)
- Nature of the complaint
- Details of any witnesses
- Your name, address and contact phone number
If you have any queries regarding the licensing of hackney
carriages and private hire vehicles, please contact the
Taxi Licensing
team.