A minicab must be booked, for example, by telephone, internet, or fax, or in person at the registered minicab office. They began operating in the 1960s in competition with hackney carriages after a loophole in the law was spotted (although in some areas it is possible to hold a dual hackney/private hire licence).
#PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LAW DRIVER#
In London the term minicab is used to refer to a private hire car and "private hire" is used in the rest of the United Kingdom that is a car with a driver available for hire only on a pre-booked basis. A ramp for access by disabled people is fitted.Ī Ford Mondeo UK private minicab with company name and telephone number on each side There is good headroom, to facilitate entry to and exit from the vehicle. The cab seats three people on the back seat, and two more in backwards-facing "jump seats". For improved manoeuvrability, the turning circle is smaller than other vehicles of similar size (a black cab is said to be able to "turn on a sixpence"). The space beside the driver's seat can be used for luggage, although there is much luggage room in the passenger compartment. There have been many models over the years. For many years purpose-designed vehicles were used, but from about 2008 specially adapted " people carrier" vehicles have also been used.
#PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LAW DRIVERS#
Unlike many other cities, the number of taxicab drivers in London is not limited. London taxi drivers are licensed and must have passed an extensive training course ( the Knowledge).
London's traditional black cabs (so-called, despite being of various colours and advertising designs) are specially constructed vehicles designed to conform to the standards set out in the Conditions of Fitness. Only licensed hackney carriages can pick up passengers on the street and without pre-booking. Chauffeur cars are a sub-set of private hire generally a higher-value car such as a Mercedes or Jaguar where the passenger pays a premium but in return receives a higher level of comfort and courtesy from the driver, some of whom wear a uniform.Private hire vehicles ('minicabs') are passenger vehicles which can be either a 4-door saloon/hatchback, carrying up to four passengers, or MPVs that are licensed to carry between 5 and 8 passengers.Hackney carriages (taxis) can be flagged down in the street or hired from a taxi rank.