Travelling by taxi in Dartford:
Hackney Carriages (taxis) licensed by the Council must carry a white plate on the rear, a smaller internal plate and an illuminated roof sign with the word TAXI. The driver must wear an ID badge issued by the Council, which includes his/her photograph.
All Hackney Carriages licensed by Dartford Borough Council must be of a design suitable for wheelchair access. Disabled passengers in wheelchairs must be able to remain in their chair during the journey and the vehicle must have appropriate ramps and fixings.
Guide or assistance dogs must also be carried in Hackney Carriages, unless the driver has a written permit from the Council excusing him/her from this requirement on medical grounds.
The fare tariff for taxis is approved annually by the Council, and is based both on distance travelled and time taken. Additional charges will apply for extra passengers and night or weekend travel. A copy of the fare tariff must be on display inside the vehicle and the meter must show the appropriate fare to be charged.
Please use this form to Raise a complaint about a licensed taxi or driver.
Private Hire Vehicles:
These vehicles cannot ply for hire in the street or at taxi ranks. Journeys must be pre-booked, normally by phone or in person at a cab office. Fares for private hire vehicles are not regulated by the Council - the cost of a journey will normally be based on a rate per mile and should be agreed with the company before the journey.
Private Hire Vehicles licensed by the Council must display a yellow plate on the rear and a smaller internal plate. Roof signs are not permitted. Private Hire drivers must also wear an ID badge issued by the Council, which includes his/her photograph.
Guide or assistance dogs must be carried in Private Hire vehicles, unless the driver has a written permit from the Council excusing him/her from this requirement on medical grounds.
Private Hire Operators:
Operators of a Private Hire business (cab office) must also be licensed by the Council. This will include checks on premises to be used, record keeping and other details. Granting of a Private Hire Operators license by the Council does not preclude the operator obtaining any necessary Planning, Building Control or other permissions that may relate to the premises to be used.
Caution:
Do not travel in taxis or cabs, or with drivers that do not bear the proper licence identification required by the Council. These vehicles may be unsafe, or uninsured and passengers may be at serious risk. There are many cases of overcharging, and even assault by drivers, of unlicensed vehicles.
All licensed taxis will be displaying identification plates on the vehicles and an identification badge on their person. If you are in any doubt whether a taxi or its driver are licensed - do not get into the cab
Hackney Carriages:
- are permitted to ply for hire from taxi ranks, or to be hailed in the street. Map of the taxi ranks in the borough:
Ranks marked with a blue icon are on private land and are not "designated" under the appropriate legislation. The Council's enforcement powers at these sites are therefore limited.