Be Safe Use a Reputable Taxi Firm in London

Driving around in London is very safe, as long as you know ahead of time who you are able to use and who you are not. These days, there are many different options for those that choose not to use the tubes (subways), trains or buses in London. These options include black cabs, minicabs or private hire vehicles and airport transfer vehicles, with each option having different rules. These rules are set up to protect the consumer, the drivers and the companies.

Black Cabs

Drivers of these vehicles are extremely knowledgeable about the City Centre area of London, having to study an area of 10km from Charing Cross Station (approximately the center of London), plus know the main routes in the next 10km stretch. Black cabs are the only vehicles that can pick up fares on the side of the road, and all other types are breaking the law if they even approach you for a ride if you haven’t pre-booked anything with them. AS in most areas around the world, one is able to hail a cab if their light is on. Initially, a driver is not required to pull over for you, but once they do, they must accept the fare if it is within 20km or 1 hour away within the Greater London area (if picked up at Heathrow Airport, the distance is 30km). If they refuse the fare, you are able to report their behavior to the Public Carriage Office. When hailing a cab, you should do so in an area where the driver can readily see you. There should be enough room for you to be able to get in safely, and you should refrain from hailing them in front of bus stops, as it may not be confusing to the driver.

Minicabs and Private Hire Cars

These vehicles are privately owned cars that have been licensed through the Public Carriage Office to allow them to be hired for fares. Each of these vehicles has round license plates in both front and rear windows, and only drivers that are wearing their badges are allowed to pick you up. These types of cars have to be pre-booked through a licensed Private Hire Operator. Due to safety issues, you should never get into one of these cars if you have not already booked it. You can book them by calling a licensed Operator, booking through the web, or even using smartphone apps. Some pubs even have licensed minicab operators inside them which you can use to book the trip. Unlike taxis, minicabs do not have meters, so you should always agree on a price at the time you book. When you order a minicab via phone, you should always ask for the name of the company you are hiring, and when the car arrives, verify the drive knows your name and destination. This protects you from unscrupulous operators.

Airport Transfers

These types of pickups require pre-booking, with the destination agreed upon in advance. Like with all pre-bookings, you should know the name of the company and the driver should know your name as well as the destination. If someone approaches you inside the airport for a ride is doing so illegally. They are not insured to carry you, and you will most likely be charged more than the agreed upon amount when you arrive at your destination. The Airport Information Desk can give you a list of local companies if you had not pre-booked. Most of these operators do have set fees, but it never hurts to inquire on potential discounts, either. One such company is Amitours, Amitours operates minicabs in London South Kensington. This fully licensed company uses a fleet of only Mercedes vehicles, for the utmost in comfort. The driver will even have your full name on display on the company iPad when he arrives to pick you up! The will pick you up at the airport and take you to your location. Plus, if your flight is light, they will never charge you a waiting fee. You can also use them to take you from the city to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City or Luton airports, as well.

All of these rules are set up with your safety in mind, as you are not protected if an unlicensed cabby is involved in an accident, or in a worst case scenario, are is looking to rob or assault you. Staying safe is easy to do with all of the many options available to you to move around Greater London. Enjoy your time while you are there!

Tags: safe travel, taxis

Category: Travel