Taxis - Frequently Asked Questions
Hackney Carriages work from approved ranks. They will have a taxi meter installed which must be switched on at the start of each journey – a copy of what they can charge you within the Former Allerdale Area can be found below. Charges may be different depending on which licensable area under Cumberland Council you start your journey from.
Private hire vehicles work from a base and are only used for pre-booked journeys. They are not insured to pick up journeys which have not been pre-booked and must refuse any such request.
Due to the move to Cumberland Council, there are two types of livery for both Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles currently in use within the Former Allerdale Area. Please see the tables below for a quick reference to the different types of livery on bearing each Council’s identity.
All drivers will also wear a Licence Badge which shows their picture, name and licence number.
| Hackney Carriage | Private Hire |
|---|---|
| Work from an approved rank | Must be pre-booked |
| White plate on the rear of the vehicle | Green plate on the rear of the vehicle |
| White Door sign showing ‘Hackney Carriage’ | White door signs showing ‘Private Hire’ and ‘Pre-Booking Only’ |
| Roof sign | No roof sign |
| Taxi meter must be used for each journey | Agreed price when booking the vehicle |
| Hackney Carriage | Private Hire |
|---|---|
| Work from an approved rank | Must be pre-booked |
| White plate on both ends of the vehicle | Yellow plate on both ends of the vehicle |
| Black and white chequered stripes | No stripes |
| Roof sign | No roof sign |
| Taxi meter must be used for each journey | Agreed price when booking the vehicle |
Hackney carriages must use a meter to calculate the cost of the journey if it starts and finishes in the Allerdale area. If the journey finishes outside of the Allerdale area then the meter will apply unless the fare has been agreed before the journey starts.
We approve a table of fares each year which tells the driver what they can charge. These charges may be different for each of the three licencing areas operating under Cumberland Council. Please see the licensing website for the legacy Carlisle City and Copeland Borough councils for information on their charges.
If you think you have been overcharged, contact us to raise a complaint.
Private hire vehicles can charge outside of the table of fares. You should agree the price with the company when you book the journey.
Fees across the three licensing areas are not yet harmonised under Cumberland Council. Our Table of Fares only cover journeys which begin in the Allerdale area.
If you think you have been overcharged for a journey, look at our table of fares. If you still think that the charge was more than it should have been, contact us to raise a complaint.
Drivers are issued with a badge that they must wear. It will show their name and a photo.
If you have a complaint regarding a driver or a vehicle, do not hesitate to contact us.
We keep a record of vehicles that can carry wheelchairs. Please get in touch and we will be able to advise on operators with your area.
If you have left something in a vehicle then you should contact the company direct. If you do not know the name of the company but have the vehicle or driver details then we can confirm the company name. The driver is required to check the vehicle at the end of each journey and report any lost property to the police. You can call them on 101.
Before we licence a driver we have to be sure that they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence. We do this by checking their medical history, criminal record and their ability to drive a vehicle. Unlicensed drivers will not have had these checks so never get into an unlicensed vehicle. If you think a vehicle is unlicensed and working in the area, contact us with the details.
The Council grants licences to suitable applicants, however we do not specify when they must work. It is up to each Hackney Carriage driver or company who to decide when their vehicles will be working. If you want to ensure you have a taxi at a certain time, it may be worth booking this with a Private Hire Operator in advance.
Yes, but we do not keep records of those which do. If you would like to use a taxi which will take card we advise you check with the driver or company in advance of your journey.
You cannot be charged extra for paying by card.
All vehicles are required to carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
In all emergencies where there is injury, danger or risk to life, always contact emergency service by ringing 999.
Please contact the Council with as much information as possible, such as the vehicle registration, make/mode, colour, any licence numbers displayed or any company branding and we will investigate this. You can report this online or over the phone on 0300 373 3730.
