Is it illegal to hail a cab in London?

So, just to clarify — it is illegal to hail a minicab in the street in the UK, but it is legal to hail a black taxi.

Is it illegal to yell taxi in England?

Britons break the law up to 20 times a day, without even realising it, claims a magazine. Michael Streeter on the law in our everyday lives.

What is black taxi in London?

A hackney or hackney carriage (also called a cab, black cab, hack or London taxi) is a carriage or car for hire. A hackney of a more expensive or high class was called a remise.

How do I get a black cab in London?

London’s official taxis, black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks situated in prominent places, including many mainline rail, Tube and bus stations. They can also be booked by telephone. If the yellow TAXI sign at the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire.

Do London taxi drivers still take the knowledge?

As taxis can be hailed in the street and asked to go anywhere, taxi drivers must have a thorough knowledge of London. Anyone who wants to drive an iconic London cab must memorize them all: the Knowledge of London. The Knowledge was introduced as a requirement for taxi drivers in 1865.

Can a London taxi refuse to take you?

A driver of a taxi (or hackney carriage) can only refuse to carry passengers within a controlled district if he has reasonable excuse to do so. To this end, every person who wish to undertake a journey in a taxi (provided it is within the controlled distance) is entitled to do so and this right is protected in law.

What is a Taxicard?

Taxicard offers subsidised travel in licensed taxis and private hire vehicles to London residents with serious mobility impairments or who are severely sight impaired. Taxicard enables over 70,000 members to take around 1.22 million trips per year. The scheme is paid for by your local council and Transport for London.