Safe travel guide

This information has been produced to explain the licensing requirements concerning Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles.

Its purpose is to help you travel more safely - and to introduce the new Customer Charter which provides a guide as to the type and standard of service to be expected.

Remember only to travel in a licensed vehicle

All drivers

  • Must wear a badge showing their photograph,
    licence number and date of expiry
  • Are subject to periodic medical and Criminal Records Bureau checks to safeguard customers
  • Will abide by the Customer Charter

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Hackney carriages

Have:

  • A white licence plate on the rear
  • A double-sided internal licence plate on the front windscreen.
  • A 'Taxi' sign on the roof capable of being lit
  • A fare chart displayed inside
  • A tested and sealed 'Taxi' fare meter
  • Their local fares set by Woking Borough Council

Can:

  • Wait on designated Hackney Carriage 'Taxi' ranks
  • Be hailed in the street

Meters must always be used for local journeys, ask for an estimated fare if the journey is going outside Woking Borough Council.

Hackney Carriage ('Taxi') Ranks may be found at the following locations:

  • Woking Train Station (north)
  • Woking Train Station (south)
  • Church Street East
  • West Byfleet Train Sation
  • Brookwood Train Station
  • Ambassadors Pick-Up, (evenings only)

For your own safety ALWAYS check

  • The driver is wearing a badge.
  • The vehicle has a licence plate.
  • The meter is working.

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Private hire vehicles

Have:

  • A yellow licence plate on the rear
  • A double-sided internal licence plate on the front windscreen.
  • Signs on the doors.

Can:

  • Only be pre-booked.

Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked by telephone or personal visit to the Operators premises.

Any Private Hire Vehicle flagged down in the street, ranked up or plying for hire is breaking the law.

The cost of hiring should be agreed before the start of the journey.

For your own safety ALWAYS check

  • The driver is wearing a badge.
  • The vehicle has a licence plate.
  • The vehicle is from the firm you booked it with.