Andy C Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 Just an extra thought not covered here, lets all avoid the pirate cabs - unlicensed cars. When there is high demand there is often people driving round in their normal cars (not taxis) driving round picking up drunks and sometimes charging a fortune (with the possibility of beatings or rape if not paid fully). The amount of people you see on Christmas Eve trying to flag down every approaching road vehicle has to be seen to be believed... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy C Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 Originally posted by donniedarko thanks Andy C thats makes sense then most of the drivers probably dont know about the promotion so is it only on for a short time then? details here: http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/yorkhumber/southyorkshire/offers/offers.php?item=114 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotPhil Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 To echo AndyC's thoughts - yes ALWAYS avoid unlicensed cabs, and remember that the only cabs you can hail down are Hackney Carriages (typically black cabs). If you hail down a minicab ("private hire"), or are 'touted' into one remember that they aren't allowed to pick you up, and if they do so they aren't insured! Another point is that whilst most minicabbers are hardworking and honest, they don't have to sit the 'knowledge' exam of the area that Hackney drivers do and some don't use a meter so could potentially overcharge. Also, the vehicles don't have to conform to the same strict criteria that Hackney's do (it's like a super-MOT test) to ensure your safety. It's always a good idea to make a mental note of at least some of the number plate and make sure that the driver's badge is a) prominently displayed and b) for the person driving the cab. Cabbies are just human, and like in any industry there is the odd rogue, but keeping your eyes peeled can keep you out of bother. Oh, and if you have any complaints about a particular driver, also try to get the number of the council's licence plate number on the back and report it to the taxi enforcement officer at the council. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 23, 2004 Share Posted December 23, 2004 taxis are really a rip off. They take the mickey. In hull/Liverpool I could get a cab for a 2 mile journey rof "2.60. Here £5 you could argue but then he'd get his mates to kick the s*** out of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxon76tr Posted December 24, 2004 Share Posted December 24, 2004 the only cabs you can hail down are Hackney Carriages (typically black cabs). If you hail down a minicab ("private hire"), or are 'touted' into one remember that they aren't allowed to pick you up, and if they do so they aren't insured! I would rather risk no insurance than get a black cab! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnkysknky Posted December 25, 2004 Share Posted December 25, 2004 Got a taxi tongiht - 2 quid extra as previously stated - whoop di doo - saved getting wet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GazB Posted December 25, 2004 Share Posted December 25, 2004 Well, I wa;lked from tow n to ecclesfield, saved cash whoopy doo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lickszz Posted December 25, 2004 Share Posted December 25, 2004 Nothing wrong with that. I've done it many times in my younger days. With the distance you mentioned it probably saved you quite a bit too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kim1 Posted December 26, 2004 Share Posted December 26, 2004 Think you need to check a few facts here Phil. All minicabbers or Private Hire Drivers do have to sit a special Driving test and Knowledge and all Private Hire Cars have to undergo a Taxi A1 Test before they can be issued with a Council Private Hire Plate. This applies to brand new cars as well and must be done every 12 months Originally posted by hotphil To echo AndyC's thoughts - yes ALWAYS avoid unlicensed cabs, and remember that the only cabs you can hail down are Hackney Carriages (typically black cabs). If you hail down a minicab ("private hire"), or are 'touted' into one remember that they aren't allowed to pick you up, and if they do so they aren't insured! Another point is that whilst most minicabbers are hardworking and honest, they don't have to sit the 'knowledge' exam of the area that Hackney drivers do and some don't use a meter so could potentially overcharge. Also, the vehicles don't have to conform to the same strict criteria that Hackney's do (it's like a super-MOT test) to ensure your safety. It's always a good idea to make a mental note of at least some of the number plate and make sure that the driver's badge is a) prominently displayed and b) for the person driving the cab. Cabbies are just human, and like in any industry there is the odd rogue, but keeping your eyes peeled can keep you out of bother. Oh, and if you have any complaints about a particular driver, also try to get the number of the council's licence plate number on the back and report it to the taxi enforcement officer at the council. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Man&hisBMW Posted December 27, 2004 Share Posted December 27, 2004 its a service, like any other you always have the alternative of not using it. if you can spend £50 on a night out, then you can spend the extra on the fare home. People dont seem to consider the getting home bit until they have spent up! if you and your mates stick 5-6 quid each aside before you all go out, it might all be easier in the end! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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