15 Interesting Facts About Taxi Services in the UK

Taxis have been around in the United Kingdom since the 16th century. Of course, at the time, they were horse-drawn carriages. The London Black Taxi was initially the Hackney Carriage.

We have come so far in the past five centuries, and taxi services in the UK have drastically changed. Here are ten interesting facts about taxi services in the UK starting from the day they came into being.

1. Taxi services or black cab services are not required to be black. They can employ cars of all colors, including white, red, blue, and yellow.
2. Taxi services are equal-opportunity employers and provide flexible working hours. Despite these favourable conditions, only 2% of female black cab drivers are female.
3. A licensed cab is only available for hire if the light at the top is on.
4. It’s illegal to hail a cab by shouting out. Passengers must stand at the curb and raise their arms to request taxi services.
5. Smoking cigarettes and even e-cigarettes are prohibited in private hire vehicles, even if there are no passengers.
6. Taxis are meant to be safe and clean. However, it isn’t illegal to have alcoholic drinks, and some taxi services allow their clients to drink while riding in the passenger seat.
7. Taxi services and taxi drivers must maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles at all times. If an accident occurs, the soiled vehicle must be taken off the path and washed.
8. Taxi drivers are not mandated to wear seat belts. Even though it’s good for personal safety, this provision is to allow taxi drivers the ability to move freely in case of an attack/
9. Taxis and private hire vehicles can install CCTV systems to monitor the security of their vehicle.
10. The turning circle of black cabs is 25 feet as opposed to other vehicles with a 35 feet turning circle. It enables cab drivers to maneuver in tight spaces and congested traffic.
11. Taxi drivers in London must have complete knowledge to get a green badge. This includes memorising 320 routes, 25,000 streets, and 20,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross.
12. Minicabs are not allowed to ply for hire. Clients can only hail black cabs.
13. Black cabs have height requirements. A tall man wearing a bowler hat should be able to fit inside the cab.
14. Taxi is a derivate term of taximeter and cabriolet. Taxi-cab is an alternative term for a taxi.
15. A taximeter is the device used to calculate fare and is derived from the Latin word taxa.

These are the most interesting facts about taxi services in the UK. London is known for its culture, and part of that is the famous black cab. Other counties and cities also have a vibrant culture of transportation, and private hire vehicles are becoming more popular by the day.

Go Comfort is a premium PHV (private hire vehicle) service that offers executive car services, cruise port transfer, and Southampton taxi services. We proudly boast affordable, reliable, and distinguished services, making us the top-rated taxi service provider in Southampton. Book your ride with us to get the ultimate traveling experience.