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London Taxis
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London's distinctive taxis, black cabs, are as much a feature of
city life as its red double-decker buses. Like the buses, black cabs are also being modernised
and many are now painted other colours with advertising.
All black cab drivers must pass a stringent test known as
'The Knowledge' before they are licensed to operate a taxi. This tests their knowledge of
London's streets and the quickest traffic routes.
The white Hackney Carriage licence plate of each cab
is on to its back bumper and a badge showing cab's serial number is also displayed in the
rear of the cab. Black cab drivers cannot drive a taxi with damaged bodywork and they tend
to be one of the safest ways to to travel around London. However, they are also the most expensive.
Mini cabs using saloon cars are usually cheaper than black cabs,
particularly at night and weekends, but they are often unlicensed. Mini cab drivers don't get
any training or pass any special tests. Visitors should be aware that mini cabs are sometimes
uninsured, often unreliable and can be dangerous. Licences are now being introduced for all
taxis. However, with over 20,000 unlicensed mini cabs in London this process will take some time.
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Depending on
how far you are travelling you'll have different fares: |
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Fares and tariffs
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Typical taxi fares and journey times:
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Tariff code on meter
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1
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2
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3
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Distance (miles)
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Approx journey time
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Monday to Friday
6am to 8pm
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Monday to Friday
8pm to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday
6am to 10pm
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Every night
10pm 6am
Public holidays
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1
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512 mins
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£4.00 - £5.60
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£4.40 - £7.00
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£4.80 - £6.40
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2
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8-15 mins
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£6.20 - £8.80
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£6.60 - £10.20
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£7.80 - £10.40
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4
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1530 mins
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£10 - £14
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£12 - £17
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£14 - £17
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6
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2040 mins
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£14 - £19
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£17 - £20
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£20 - £23
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Between Heathrow and Central
London
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3060 mins
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£40 - £70
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- There is a £2.20 minimum fare at all times
- The fare shown on the meter at the end of the
journey is the maximum cash fare that may be charged.
The passenger will be expected to pay the full fare
displayed on the meter at the end of the journey unless
the driver and passenger agree on the final fare to be
charged before the start of the journey.
- The meter automatically adds a charge based on time
for any part of the journey when the speed drops below
10.4 mph.
- Fares within Greater London depend on the time of
day, distance travelled and taxi speed, and are
displayed on the meter. The driver is not obliged to
accept a hiring if the destination is outside Greater
London, and the fare for such a journey may be
negotiated between the driver and hirer.
- Drivers must, unless they have good cause, accept
any hiring up to 12 miles (20 miles if starting at
Heathrow Airport), or up to one hour duration, if the
destination is in Greater London.
All fare and tariff information shown on these pages is
effective from Saturday 2 April 2005 |
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Tips and advice
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General tips:
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The majority of London taxis are still black, but they are permitted to have
any color they want. Some cabs have adverts all over.
- They are licensed to ply for hire anywhere within the London metropolitan police district.
The majority of work is within central London. Although there are some busy areas in outer London.
- The cheapest taxi on the road price is £32,000. This will not include such
items as air conditioning, head-rests or mud-flaps.
- If a cab is on a taxi rank or stops for you, they are just obliged to
take you up to 6 miles (10 Kms), within London.
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Lost Property is handed into the local police station within 24 hours. From there it
will be transferred to the lost property office, in Baker Street W1.
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Every taxi has ramps and is able to accommodate a wheelchair.
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A mini-cab is usually an old, battered, dirty car, which is not always road worthy,
and a lot of the drivers dont even have a drivers licence let alone insurance.
In many cases the cost of the fare is double or more, then in a licensed London taxi.
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Mini cabs cannot legally be hailed in the street.
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Ignore any mini cab driver who offers his services in the street and, similarly,
do not take a mini cab if the driver approaches you in one of London's airports or
major railway stations, they are acting illegally, probably unlicensed and uninsured.
If an accident happens during the trip, you could not claim for any personal
injuries, damage or any other costs.
Women are advised not to travel in mini cabs on their own at night.
- Mini cabs should only be hired by telephone or by going into one of their offices,
generally open 24 hours a day. Mini cabs are listed in Yellow Pages but it's a good idea to
ask for a recommendation from your hotel or a local resident. There are a number of
trustworthy and licensed firms.
- Most mini cabs do not operate with a meter so always negotiate your fare before you travel.
Telephone several firms to compare prices before you make a decision,
and confirm the price with the driver when the taxi arrives.
- All London taxi drivers are self employed, and are free to choose their own working hours.
- There are over 22,000 licensed drivers. They do not have a maximum limit.
- There are over 19,000 licensed taxis in London.
- If you travel by taxi, check if the taxi you are going to use has a
license. On the back of the cab there should be a plate with the
text 'Taxi license' and a number on it. If not, it is either a
minicab or an illegal taxi.
- Also, it is best to ask for a quote
(or estimation) first. Tell the taxi driver where you want to go and
he or she should be able to give you a rough idea of the costs.
- Most of London's taxi drivers are
quite reliable. However if for any reason you are not pleased with
the way they treated you or the amount they charged you, you can
always note their license number and file a complaint. However, keep
in mind that travelling by taxi will costs you approximately a pound
per mile on top of a basic fee.
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Taxis Licence
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Taxis Temporary Permit
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More Information about London Taxis
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