Standards of service for taxi and private hire drivers

We expect all taxi and private hire drivers working in and around Allerdale, to provide a high standard of service at all times.

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:

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.

Taxi and private hire drivers

Drivers must:

wear an identification badge at all times, with their badge number, photo and expiry date visible on it – they must show it upon request if not visible
be presentable, polite and courteous
take you to your destination by the most direct possible route, unless you ask otherwise
charge no more than the fare shown on the meter, or the fare agreed before your journey starts and provide a receipt upon request
not allow other passengers to share the taxi without your agreement
not carry more passengers than the number for which the vehicle is licensed
when requested, give all reasonable assistance in helping you into and out of the vehicle, and with loading and unloading your luggage
not play music, eat or drink in the vehicle without your permission
not smoke in the vehicle at all
carry guide, hearing and other assistance dogs free of charge
not use their mobile phone while driving
maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy and clean condition
have a current licence plate fixed to the rear, and a double-sided internal plate fixed in the front windscreen