What is the difference between black cab and private hire?
Black Cab, public hire or hackney carriage refers to ‘hire and reward’ taxi which can be hailed in the street, operate from a formal taxi rank or can be booked. Each district will have its own by laws governing black cab opertions however the over riding laws will apply. Minicab or private hire refers to ‘hire and reward’ taxi which can only be prebooked. Private hire taxi drivers must never be flagged down or operate from a formal taxi rank. Again each district will have specific bylaws affecting operation, which include where the rear taxi badge is, the roof sign if applicable.
