Do you know how to use a taxi the safe way? Not a lot of people do and you know where that can lead. You can end up being OVERCHARGED at the least but at the worst….I dread to think.
So how do you get home safely after a good night out? Do you just jump in the nearest taxi without thought? In my experience I’m afraid most people do just that, without regard for their own safety, and the sad thing is …..NOT EVERY TAXI IS SAFE…..some are not even taxis!!.
If you follow these simple rules, your chances of getting home safely will be increased beyond measure.
1) As you approach the taxi, have a look at the rear end to ensure it has a Council Plate. These vary in colour but all have the Authority’s name, type of taxi (i.e. Private Hire or Hackney), number of passengers it can carry and the Registered Number. No plate means no taxi !!!
2) Check the vehicle looks the part…not old and tatty…most councils will not allow old or scruffy vehicles as taxis.
3) Ask the driver for the approximate price for the journey…this gives you the chance for eye contact and to see a full face.
4) When you get in the taxi have a look for the drivers ‘Badge’..usually an ID card and should be visible. There should also be a printed charge Tariff and the plate number showing the same number as was on the rear.
5) Check the Fare/Taxi Meter is set on the correct tariff rate…this is easily found out from the tariff sheet but best before hand from any taxi driver…the times of change do not change that often so done once is all that’s needed.(My area changes tariff at 19.00hrs from Tariff 1 (day rate) to Tariff 2 (night rate) and a Tariff 3 for Bank Holidays).
6) Make sure the meter is ON at the start of your journey and NEVER pay more than what the meter says .If the driver forgets to put on the meter then to be decent, pay him a reasonable fare BUT remember that anything more than meter price is illegal unless you have agreed a price before hand. Private Hire vehicles do not always have a meter as the fare should be negotiated beforehand.
7) Private Hire vehicles CAN NOT PICK UP FROM A TAXI RANK OR BE FLAGGED DOWN. Only Hackney Carrages can stop on a taxi rank or pick up at the roadside. If you flag down a taxi…make sure it is HACKNEY otherwise you will not be insured for accidents.
And finally….IF YOUR NOT SURE >>>>DON’T GET IN. It is better to wait a few more minutes than take that risk.
All this sounds like a lot to do but really it is very simple and quick. Next time your in town, just look at the taxis and points mentioned and you will see how it all comes together in a matter if seconds.
REMEMBER>>>>BE SAFE OUT THERE.
This info/advice relates to taxis in the UK but it should be similar in most countries and does not take much to check out the differences where you live.
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