All Hackney Carriages (taxis) are required to display an illuminated ‘TAXI’ sign. On licensed cars the sign is fitted to the roof and the word ‘taxi’ is visible from the front. During hours of darkness all taxi signs are illuminated when the vehicles are available for hire. Private Hire Vehicles are not permitted to display any sign on the roof of the vehicle.

All taxis and Private Hire Vehicles have to display licensed plates, one fixed to the rear and the other to the internal dashboard of the vehicle. The plate displays the licence number and the number of passengers that a vehicle is allowed to carry. The exterior plate affixed to a Hackney Carriage (taxi) are white, whilst a yellow plate is affixed to the rear of a Private Hire Vehicle., except in the case of some ‘executive hire’ vehicles where an exemption may have been applied for and granted. Hackney Carriages (taxis) can be hailed directly from the street or hired from taxi ranks, which are situated in each town.

Private Hire Vehicles must by law be pre-booked. A Private Hire Vehicle may also include a Stretched Limousine, which will not be permitted to carry any more than 8 passengers and will also be required to display a yellow plate on the rear of the limousine unless exemption has been granted.

All Hackney Carriage (taxis) are fitted with fare meters, which should be used for each journey. Fares are fixed for each vehicle by the District Council, and a fare card must be displayed inside the taxi.

Private Hire Vehicles do not need to have a fare meter fitted. It is advisable to agree the fare at the time of the booking and to ensure that the cost is confirmed with the driver prior to the journey commencing. Where meters are fitted voluntarily, the District Council tests for accuracy. Journeys in Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator licensed by the District Council. Licences are only issued to operators who are fit and proper persons who understand the relevant laws. Licensed operators must ensure that drivers and vehicles used by them comply with all licence conditions.