A campaign has been launched to help keep passengers safe from rogue taxi drivers.
While the distinction between taxis and private-hire vehicles is obvious to those involved in the trade, many passengers are unaware of the distinction, or might be tempted to take a chance in order to get to their destination.
Regulations
The laws governing the taxi trade are clear – only public-hire taxis with public-hire insurance can be hailed by passengers in the street or from a taxi rank.
Private-hire vehicles, which need private-hire insurance, can only be booked in advance through a taxi office, by phone, or via an app. Any PHV driver that picks up passengers without a booking is operating without the correct taxi insurance in place and could be dealt with severely by both the courts and the licensing authorities.
Following concerns over illegal pick-ups, overcharging and reports of serious incidents, Taxi Point reports that the taxi trade in Edinburgh has launched a campaign to warn passengers of the dangers posed by illegal taxis, and how to tell the difference.
With backing from the Unite union, the Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of the City of Edinburgh, City Cabs and Central Radio Taxis, the message is simple – “If it’s not booked, don’t get in.”
Taxi Point explains that the partnership’s safety message follows cases involving unlawful private-hire activity, “including drivers accepting street hails without the required booking through a licensed operator”.
Differences
The campaign aims to drive home the differences between public hire and private hire to passengers.
As well as the legal and operational distinctions, public-hire taxis – also known as Hackney Carriages or black cabs – have a lit roof sign displaying the word ‘taxi’ to indicate they are available.
Taxis are regulated by the licensing authority in which they are registered and can only pick up fares in that area.
Private-hire vehicles do not have illuminated roof signs with the word ‘taxi’. Some might display company liveries and authorities insist on wording such as “Private hire only”, “Private hire vehicle. Not insured unless booked in advance” to ensure the distinction is made.
Private-hire vehicles are currently allowed to pick up passengers outside their licensing area.
Message
Explaining the public-safety message behind the campaign, Taxi Point said: “For licensed operators and drivers, the campaign is intended to protect both passengers and the integrity of the regulated trade. Industry backers say illegal activity undermines compliant businesses that adhere to licensing conditions, fare structures and safeguarding standards set by the local authority.”
It also highlights the dangers of using a rogue PHV: “Trade representatives argue that entering an un-booked vehicle carries significant risk. If a vehicle has not been booked through a licensed operator, it is not operating within the law and any associated insurance may not be valid. They have drawn a direct comparison, stating that getting into an un-booked vehicle is no different from getting into a stranger’s car.
“The awareness drive will be delivered primarily through social media, supported by visual materials designed to explain the differences between licensed taxis and private-hire vehicles. The graphics set out when a vehicle can legally accept a passenger and reinforce that no pre-booking means the journey cannot lawfully take place.”
Reassurance
By delivering the safety message from a united front, Edinburgh’s taxi trade is reassuring the public and making it more difficult for rogue drivers who are putting the livelihoods of hard-working genuine drivers at risk, as well as the safety of passengers.
Ultimately it is down to the passengers to recognise the difference between the two types of hire-and-reward services. While some might be unaware of the distinction, others might be tempted to take a chance if they are struggling to get home after a long day at work or after a night out.
By complying with regulations and highlighting the message of the campaign, drivers are reassuring passengers that they are safe.
This is why it is vital that the simple-but-clear message should be shared regularly by everyone in the UK taxi trade: “If it’s not booked, don’t get in.”
