Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council

What is a Hackney Carriage?

This is a Taxi that parks on a designated rank in Doncaster Town Centre and various other locations within the authority. You can hop into this vehicle by flagging the vehicle down or by going to a vehicle on the Taxi Rank. (Just like you would in London). The fares charged to you when using these vehicles are controlled by the Authority and the meters are sealed.

These are marked by two White Plates with Numbers, Registration No. Expiry Date and No. of passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry in it. The plates are fixed to the front and rear of each vehicle.

What is a Private Hire Vehicle?

This is a licensed vehicle that you book to take you home after a night out, to take you to the Airport or bring you back from the Airport, etc., and these are called MINI CABS not Taxis. This journey has been pre-booked. These vehicles are ordinary cars/minibuses. The fares charged to you are negotiable and not fixed.

These are marked with Two Yellow Plates with Numbers, Registration No. Expiry date and No. of passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry in it, and Side Stickers displaying the Company Name and Telephone Number.

What to look for when using one of the above Vehicles?

Look for 5 important items every time you use a Taxi or Mini Cab. These following items will ensure that you are travelling in safety:

1. Two Door Stickers - one at each side (Private Hire Mini Cabs).
2. Two Plates - one back and front.
3. Once inside the vehicle the driver will have a badge which should be worn on his/her person.
4. A small plate displaying the same No. as the plates outside back and front, fixed inside on the dashboard.
5. Small window sticker with test dates, vehicle no. and registration no.              

All these important items will indicate to you that you are being driven by a Licensed Driver who has been proved to be a fit and proper person in the interest of Public Safety and that the Vehicle has also been passed by the Authority and Licensed to carry passengers, again, in the interest of Public Safety.

If the vehicle you go to does not have the items listed above clearly displayed then don't get in it. If you have any problems or doubts get in touch with the licensing section on (01302) 737590 or (01302) 736671.