NEWS RELEASES
Be safe this festive season - does your cab check out?
12th November 2007
WITH the festive season fast approaching, people taking a taxi or private hire vehicle over the busy Christmas and New Year period are being reminded to check out if the vehicle and driver are licensed.
The message comes from Horsham District Council at a time of year when there can be an increase in unauthorised vehicles and drivers. The Council is responsible for the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles in the District.
Those taking a taxi or private hire vehicle are recommended to look out for the vehicle licence plate on the rear bumper together with the driver's identification badge. Together these are an assurance that the car and driver are properly authorised to carry the public.
"All vehicles operating in the Horsham District are inspected regularly and thoroughly to ensure that they are clean, mechanically sound, insured and above all, safe.
“All drivers have passed an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and a local area knowledge test and regularly undergo medical examinations to ensure that they are physically fit to drive," stresses Andy Skipper, Licensing Inspector at Horsham District Council.
There are two different types of vehicle operating in the Horsham District.
A taxi (proper name 'hackney carriage') can be taken from a taxi rank or hailed in the street and must be white, display a roof sign and be fitted with a taximeter which measures the journey and calculates the cost.
The price on the meter is the maximum price that the driver can charge but he or she may charge less. The meter must be used at all times so that the exact cost of the journey is clear. Higher charges than normal may apply over the holiday period.
Private hire vehicles (often described as minicabs) must be pre-booked and it is illegal for the driver of a private hire vehicle to pick up passengers if a telephone booking has not been confirmed. Unlike hackney carriages, private hire vehicles do not have to adhere to the fare tariff set by the Council and where they do not have a meter it is important always to agree the fare before travelling.
Further information about hackney carriages and private hire is available from the Council's Public Heath Licensing Section by telephone: 01403 215471/215488 or email: licensing@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk