Unsure about the best way to get home safely after a night out in Brentwood?
This guide explains the two main types of taxis in Brentwood as well as some top safeguarding tips.
What is a Hackney Carriage Vehicle?
Hackney carriages are licensed to stand for hire at a taxi rank or to be hailed on the street in the area where they are licensed.
A Brentwood-licensed Hackney carriage can also take pre-booked trips without going through a licensed Private Hire operator. Our drivers are holding a combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire license and are fully insured. To request a local taxi, simply text us at our WhatsApp number or complete the booking form on our website, www.BookThisTaxi.co.uk.
Only hackney carriages may use the words ‘taxi’ or ‘cab’ on their vehicles or in advertisements.
Hackney carriages:
- must display a roof sign bearing the word ‘Taxi’;
- must have meters fitted and may not charge more than the maximum fares set by the Council;
- are entitled to use taxi ranks around the borough, where they can sit and wait for a fare;
- can be hailed, or flagged down, anywhere in the borough;
- can undertake pre-booked work;
- can undertake contract work.
The word TAXIS will be painted on the road surface, and a sign will indicate when taxis can be picked up from that rank.
When you get into the taxi, the driver starts the meter, and you pay the amount indicated on the meter when your trip is over.
Taxis can be flagged down in the street or approached at the taxi ranks at Brentwood Station, Shenfield Station, St. Thomas Road, and Brentwood High Street.
Place your hand out in a suitable spot by the road. A taxi is only available if the orange TAXI sign above the windscreen is illuminated.
What is a booked Private Hire Vehicle?
A private hire vehicle is also referred to as a minicab. Private hire drivers can only pick you up if you’ve made an advance reservation with the taxi company via phone, app, online, or at their office. We make it easier to book a taxi in Brentwood during peak times.
Your journey will be carried out by a Brentwood-licensed driver in a licensed, insured vehicle with a license plate clearly visible on the car.
When you book, you will be told exactly how much your journey will cost; you will be asked to provide a drop-off address, and a payment, including any fees and tolls, will be collected in advance by card, cash, or payment link.
A record is kept of your journey, driver, and vehicle.
Should I always pre-book my taxi?
Yes, unless you’re flagging down a local taxi. Don’t flag down a private hire vehicle (without a roof lamp) on the street, even if the license plate is visible and the driver appears to be fine.
It is not safe to ride in an unbooked private hire taxi, and it is illegal for the driver to pick you up if you have not booked in advance. There is no record of the journey, and you may be putting yourself at risk.
What if I still can’t get a taxi?
If you can’t find a trustworthy minicab company and there are no black cabs nearby, the train, underground, or bus are all safer alternatives to an unlicensed cab or walking home alone at night.
Remember to charge your phone before leaving to ensure you can call a taxi.
When booking a private hire vehicle, ask for the fare price. If you confirmed a price over the phone, the driver should not charge you any further, assuming you provided the correct journey information.
Wait for your taxi with your friends, not by yourself.
Don’t let a drunken friend travel alone, even in a pre-booked private hire vehicle.
At the end of your trip, request a receipt or at least a business card in case you accidentally left any of your belongings in the car, want to leave a review for our service, or want to book our taxi again.
Safeguarding and Disability Awareness
Our drivers, like the majority of Brentwood taxi drivers, attended a recent Safeguarding and Disability Awareness Classroom Course. The new Taxi Licensing Policy, which went into effect a year ago, requires all drivers to complete refresher safeguarding and disability awareness training.
Looking for a taxi in Brentwood?
The next time you’re looking for a cab or taxi in Brentwood, please consider requesting a ride with iON’s Taxi. With this on-demand ride option, your transportation is ready when you are. Get a quote, request a ride with our cab, then head to your destination with your driver. This taxi can take up to 4 passengers. Thank you!