Differences between taxi and PHC
A private hire car (PHC) can operate only on a pre-booked basis, it cannot be hailed down on the street or ply for hire on any taxi rank.
A taxi can also operate on a pre-booked basis but can also ply for hire on a taxi rank and be hailed down on the street for immediate hire.
A taxi:
- is required to display a taxi sign on top of the vehicle approved by the Council
- may wait on a taxi stance for trade
- may pick up passengers on the street without prior arrangement
- must have a meter affixed to the vehicle, which has been calibrated to the Council's approved tariff
- must be driven by a licensed taxi driver
A PHC:
- must not have a sign or other advertisement that suggests it is available for hire as a taxi
- must display a 'pre booked only' sign (issued or approved by the Council) on each side of the vehicle
- cannot wait on a taxi stance
- may have a meter affixed to the vehicle
- must be driven by either a licensed taxi driver or a licensed private hire car driver