What happens if a cab driver with a Private Hire plate picks up a fare without the passenger having pre-booked?
A motor insurance policy requires that any person permitted to drive the insured vehicle must hold an appropriate driving licence (i.e. private hire or public hire licence where appropriate). But it is also a requirement that the vehicle is used for the specific purpose as outlined in the licence issued. If this is not followed, then the insurer will not pay for any accident, injury, loss, damage, liability or consequential loss unless the insurer is required to do so by a relevant road traffic law (i.e. injury to third parties). Where the insurer has to deal with a third party injury claim due to RTA law, then the insurer may decide to recover their costs from the policyholder in person should they see fit.
What is a Maxicab?
You may have heard of this term relating to larger, modified vehicles. They can also be called accessible taxis or wheelchair-accessible taxis and are modified to enable better access for wheelchair-using passengers. They are more often than not vans or minivans which have undergone modifications and have wheel locks or a belt and clip combination to secure the wheel chair and side loading. They are also associated with transporting luggage or large items, animals etc for able-bodied passengers too.
Is it possible for my partner to use my taxi for domestic use? Most insurance companies will allow for this with a taxi on a public hire or private hire insurance policy but it is worth contacting your local authority, however, as they can often be disparaging about it. It is best to get written confirmation from them as most insurers will require it when you are asking for this to be covered on your policy.
Is it true that taxis are required by law to carry a bale of hay around with them?
It was written into the law in 1831 that a London Hackney Carriage was indeed required to have a bale of hay in the boot. This is because the carriage was the horse drawn version of a taxi in those days and even when taxis developed into motorised vehicles, the law still held until it was amended in 1976. Even nowadays, however, you might still find a taxi driver who still drives around with a bale in his boot just for tradition!
Am I permitted to drive in another licensing authority if I have a Hackney carriage driver’s licence?
Individual licences must be obtained for each area you wish to drive, so therefore it is not permissible. This rule applies to PHV drivers as well.
Who can apply for a licence to drive a Hackney Carriage or PHV (Private Hire Vehicle)?
Anyone who has held a full Driving licence for at least a year can apply for either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle licence, they just have to contact their local council to apply.
Which people use taxis the most?
People from all social groups, cities and occupations use both Hackney cabs and Private Hire taxis, with a survey in 2008 finding that the average person makes at least 11 trips in either. Low-income women are the most likely to get a cab, however, with low car ownership statistics for this group making them the largest number of passengers. This is why safety for young women, especially regarding unlicensed cabs late at night being an issue for concern and widely publicised in the media in the hope it will raise awareness.
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