Taxi drivers

[flangels]

Does anyone know anything about the law and taxi drivers...I live very close to a city centre and find that many try and take advantage by inflating prices and refusing to go on the meter. Are they allowed or can I report them to the council or something...cheers.

[gary baldy]

No they cant - if it is black cab then they are breaking the rules of their hackney carriage license. If its a mini cab not only are they doing that but there could be insurance implications in an accident (you are only insured if you pre book and are on the meter). All cabs should carry photo id of the driver and on the rear of the car should be license details. I'm sure your local council (there will be a dedicated dept for taxi licenses) will be very happy to hear from you. try and get the drivers details, cab company and registration.

[gary baldy]

Just checked on my local council website and black cabs must be on the meter. Mini cab fares can be off the meter but if you think you have been over charged then you can complain. Also if either photo id or exterior licence plate arent displayed you can report.

[Scarlett]

Hackney cabs- those with that specific license, which will be shown on a sign on the dashboard, go on the meter at tariff 1. Minicabs go on tariff 4 (it's the first red digit on the meter) and they may well have "specials" meaning set prices for set journeys.

You should phone up the cab firm in advance and ask how much it will cost and what the tariff will be (1 or 4) and tell them if you think someone is overcharging you. Make sure you get their description/car type too.