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For over 300 years, taxis have been part of London life and both the vehicle and driver are licensed to carry passengers. The famous London 'black taxi' still exists but they now come in a variety of colours. London Taxis can be hired by hailing them in the street when the yellow 'For Hire' sign is illuminated. They can also be booked in advance by phone on (020) 7272 0272.
Taxis can also be found at taxi ranks outside or near most London rail stations and London airports. They are licensed to carry four or five people. A meter inside the taxi registers the fare. A short journey of a few miles within the central area of London will probably cost in the region of £8.00 before the near compulsory 10% tip.
www.traintaxi.co.uk gives information on whether there is a taxi rank at train, tram or underground stations.
Taxis outside London
Taxis outside London operate in much the same way: the vehicles and drivers are also licensed. Occasionally a traditional taxi can be found but they are more likely to be saloon cars. However, they will still have the illuminated 'For Hire' sign.
Private hire vehicles (minicabs)
Minicabs can be hired in person from minicab offices or booked by telephoning a local minicab office (telephone numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages telephone directory). Minicabs in London are not licensed (legislation is in progress). They do not have a meter so it is advisable to agree a fare before starting your journey. It's unadvisable to accept an offer from drivers touting for business on the street; this is against the law. |
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6am to 8pm
Monday to Friday | 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday | 8pm to 6am every night and
all times on public holidays |
| £1.40 up to: | 390 yards or
75 seconds | £1.40 up to: | 310 yards or
60 seconds* | £1.40 up to: | 260 yards or
50 seconds* |
| Then: | £1.80/mile or
30p/min.* | Then: | £2.30/mile or
40p/min.* | Then: | £2.70/mile or
50p/min.* |
| Up to £12.00** | Up to £14.80** | Up to £17.40** |
| Then: £2.55/mile or 45p/minute* |
| *If taxi speed is below 10mph | **Excluding other charges |
| Above are approximate values |
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| Other Charges |
| Telephone bookings | For journeys arranged by telephone | Up to £2.00 |
| Extra passengers | Per person - 2 children under ten count as 1 person, infants in arms excluded | 40p |
| Luggage | Per item in the driver's compartment and/or over 2 feet long | 10p |
Christmas and
New Year | For journeys beginning or ending between 8pm - 24
December and 6am - 27 December or 8pm - 31 December and 6am - 2 January | £3.00 |
| Drivers must, unless they have good cause, accept any hiring up to 12 miles (20 miles if at Heathrow Airport), or up to 1 hour duration if the destination is in the Metropolitan or City police districts. |
| Above fares applicable from 6 July 2002 until further notice. By order of Transport London. |
| Complaints or Commendations about any taxi or driver can be sent to pco.tfl@gtnet.gov.uk with the taxi number and/or driver's badge number or please call 020 7941 7800. |
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