Taxi Services

London Taxis    

London taxis offer a convenient service to anywhere in and around London within a 6 mile (10km) radius. They are not legally required to take you outside the district in which they are licensed but many will. 

Fares are metered and will be about £2.50 per mile (1.6km). Tipping is not obligatory but 10% is normal.

Taxi drivers have to learn 'The Knowledge'. This is a course of study of 2 years or more to learn every street and place in London and know immediately the quickest way to any destination from anywhere. All London taxi drivers are licensed, and the vehicles undergo regular inspection.

Within London and its suburbs you can hail a taxi from the street. If they are not on their way to pick up a pre-booked passenger they will usually stop for you.

You can pre-book a London taxi in advance for most occasions and venues. 

Pre-booking can be done on the Internet. Some useful sites are:-

www.computercab.co.uk/ or by phoning 020 7432 1432. 
ComputerCab supply a taxi service on a credit account basis to both business and personal users in London.

www.london-taxi.co.uk/bookings.htm or by phoning 07950 485505 or 485506

www.londontaxicabs.net/

members.aol.com/sttaxi/cab/index.htm 

   Many major cities in the UK operate similar "black cab" taxi services to the same high standard as London.

    Minicabs (Taxi or Private Hire Vehicles)

Its important that you realise the difference between minicabs and the traditional London black cab. Minicabs are normal family vehicles. All Minicabs are required to be fully licensed and insured, but unfortunately many are not and these should be avoided. Ask friends for a recommendation, or ask your relocation counsellor at The Relocation Bureau for their advice.

In general minicabs are not metered, you will need to agree a fare in advance when booking and confirm it before starting the journey.

Minicabs cannot be hailed in the street or at cab ranks, they must be pre-booked or hired from their office in a town centre or station. They are frequently used in suburban areas for airport and shopping trips or after a late night revelry. 

Don't accept a quietly-spoken offer of "Taxi, Sir?" by the exit door in the Arrivals Hall - its usually a minicab driver illegally "touting" for business!!

The Yellow Pages will have listings of many taxi companies in your area.

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