Difference between Hackney Carriage and Private Hire

Taxis – Spot The Difference!

What’s the difference between a Hackney Carriage (HC/Taxi) and a Private Hire (PH) vehicle?

Hackney Carriages (HC/Taxis)

  • There is a white local authority licence plate on the rear of the vehicle.
  • The vehicle can be a ‘London’ type cab or an ordinary saloon car.
  • The vehicle will have a roof sign that displays the word ‘TAXI’.
  • The vehicle can pick you up from any of the Taxi ranks in the town.
  • You can ‘flag down’ the vehicle in the street.
  • You can ring up and order a Taxi.
  • All vehicles are fitted with a fare meter.

Private Hire (PH) Vehicles

  • There is a green local authority licence plate on the rear of the vehicle.
  • The vehicle cannot be a ‘London’ type cab.
  • The vehicle can be any colour.
  • The vehicle cannot have a roof sign.
  • The vehicle cannot use any of the Taxi ranks in the town.
  • You cannot ‘flag down’ the vehicle in the street.
  • You order a Private Hire vehicle from the operator.
  • Some vehicles are fitted with a fare meter.
    If not, agree a fare with the operator when you book your journey.