Taxi standards and complaints

If you are unhappy with your hackney carriage or private hire car journey you may want to submit a complaint to us as the licensing authority.

Unfortunately, we may not be able to help in all circumstances because not all matters for complaint are breaches of licence conditions. Many licensed vehicles work through operating companies and some complaints like poor punctuality should be made directly to the operating company.

If the bad behaviour amounts to a criminal act then you should report it to the police immediately. Similarly, the police should be informed about poor driving or traffic offences that may occur during your taxi journey. In an emergency you should call 999.
 

Standards of conduct

When considering a complaint you should be aware of the following standards of conduct expected from both drivers and passengers.

A passenger in a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle can expect that:

• the vehicle will be clean, inside and out
• the driver will be clean, courteous and helpful
• the driver will not smoke or use his mobile phone whilst you are in the car
• they will be taken to your destination by the most direct route
• they will be driven safely and in accordance with the law

Passengers must be aware that they too are expected to comply with expected standards.

The driver of a hackney carriage of private hire vehicle can expect that passengers will:

• be courteous
• not damage the vehicle
• wear a seat belt and ensure that any children with them also wear seat belts
• comply with the reasonable requests of the driver, particularly where they relate to the safety of the passenger
• pay the metered fare at the end of the journey
• not leave any property in the vehicle
   

Make a complaint

You can make a complaint if you encounter a problem relating to any of the following:

• safety
• a driver's behaviour
• if you believe a vehicle is not licensed

Before you start

If you are  making a complaint, it is helpful if you can tell us the:

• vehicle registration number of the taxi or private hire vehicle (shown on the number plate)
• taxi or private hire vehicle licence number (shown on the Council licence plate)
• driver's badge number (normally shown on their badge)
• taxi or private hire vehicle operating firm name (if applicable)

Make a complaint
 

What happens next

We'll investigate your complaint. We may contact you using the details you have given us if we need more information.