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Taxis

All Stroud District licensed drivers have to go through various checks and tests to make sure they are suitable and fit to drive members of the public.

The vehicles are also checked regularly to ensure they are safe and have the right in insurance. Taxis can be pre-booked or can be picked up at a taxi rank or flagged down in the street. Private Hire Vehicles must be booked in advance.

Getting into an unlicensed taxi or private hire vehicle could leave you in a very vulnerable position should anything go wrong. If you get into a Private Hire Vehicle without pre-booking it (for example if you stop it in the street) you may not be covered by insurance.

Stroud District Council licences two types of vehicle:

  • Hackney Carriage Vehicle
  • Private Hire Vehicle

How to check you are in a Licensed vehicle:

Hackney Carriage Vehicles

  • Have a white licence plate on the rear of the vehicle near the number plate displaying the licence number of the vehicle and how many passengers can be carried
  • Have a taxi sign on roof
  • Can be hailed in the street
  • Operate mostly from town centre ranks
  • Do not need to be pre-booked
  • Will have a fare meter and table of fares inside the vehicle. Meters must be used for journeys within the District but you may negotiate the fare if the destination is outside the District. The meter should always be used. Negotiated fares should not exceed that which is displayed on the meter

Private Hire Vehicles

  • Can only be pre-booked
  • Are not allowed to pick up passengers from ranks or be hailed in the street
  • Have a yellow licence plate on the rear of the vehicle near the number plate displaying the licence number of the vehicle and how many passengers can be carried. Some executive vehicles are covered by a plate exemption in which case the licence plate will be displayed inside the boot

Contact details for Licensed Taxis and Private Hire

Licensed drivers

All drivers must be licensed with Stroud District Council and are issued with a driving badge displaying their photograph, licence number and expiry date. They must display their badge in the vehicle or wear one at all times whilst working.

If the driver does not have a badge do not get into the vehicle.

Staying safe on your journey

Here are some easy tips to make sure that you get home safely:

  • Before you get into a Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle, make sure it has a proper licence plate and take note of the number. Take a note of the driver’s name or badge number
  • If you are using a Private Hire Vehicle, check it is from the company you booked with
  • If you are out on the street then the traditional taxi (Hackney Carriage Vehicles as they are sometimes known) is the only safe option to flag down
  • Check the Driver's ID badge
  • Record the plate number or registration number of the vehicle - or use a camera phone take a picture of the vehicle before you get in. Then text the details or send the photo to a friend or family member
  • If you do not feel safe ask to be let out in a well-lit area with people nearby
  • When booking a taxi with a private hire operator ask for the vehicle make, registration and the driver’s name. When the vehicle arrives, check these on the vehicle plates and the driver’s badge
  • Always use the seatbelts provided
  • Do not try to persuade the driver to carry more passengers than the vehicle is licensed for. In the event of an accident or other problem you may not be able to claim damages or compensation

Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints about a Hackney Carriage, Private Hire Vehicle or a driver licensed by Stroud District Council please use the contact details below:

Licensing Section
Stroud District Council
Ebley Mill
Stroud
Glos

Tel: 01453 754440

Email: Licensing@stroud.gov.uk