Taxis

All taxi drivers and vehicles used as taxis in South Gloucestershire must be licenced by us.

The difference between private hire vehicles and hackney carriages

Hackney carriages have metered fares regulated by us. They have a ‘TAXI’ light on top, can use taxi ranks and be flagged down or pre-booked (within their licensed area).

Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked as they cannot use ranks or be flagged down. The fares are set by individual operators.

Licensed vehicles have an identification plate fixed to the back and a smaller version at the front. They show details of the licence number, expiry date and vehicle registration.

Drivers must wear an identification badge with their photo, name, reference number and licence expiry date. They also display a second badge with this information inside the vehicle.

Please note: as result of the Deregulation Act 2015 private hires and hackney carriages are permitted to take bookings in areas outside of where they are licensed, as long as they are subcontracted to do so by a licensed operator within that area. This also includes App based operator vehicles.

Accessibility

Drivers are required to help disabled passengers in line with the Equality Act 2010, section 165.

Some drivers may be exempt from these duties due to a health condition that makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to comply. The exemption certificate must be displayed in their vehicle.

There are no extra charges for assistance dogs or for carrying aids like wheelchairs.

Fares

Hackney carriages have a meter which shows how much you should pay. We set the maximum that they can charge.

Private hire vehicle fares are not set by us. The fare is agreed between you and the operator in advance when you make the booking.

Find a taxi rank

Taxi ranks in South Gloucestershire are listed below by area.

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Using taxis safely

Never get into an unlicensed vehicle.

If you are travelling alone try to pre-book, let someone know the details of your journey and always sit in the back.

Note down or take a photo of the licence identification plate.

How to make a complaint

We are responsible for making sure all our licensed drivers, vehicles and operators meet the correct standards of safety and comfort.

To report a problem with a driver or vehicle you will need to make an official complaint.

Useful information to send us:

• date, time and location
• a description of the driver
• the driver’s badge number (if known)
• the vehicle licence identification plate or number plate
• as much detail as possible about the problem and if there were witnesses

Lost property

If you have left something in a private hire vehicle, contact the operator that you booked your journey with.

If you have left something in a hackney carriage, there is a taxi lost and found Facebook page which we encourage drivers use to try and find owners of lost property.

Drivers may pass on lost property to the police, who usually only accept items over the value of £500 but exceptions include phones, laptops, passports or driving licences.