For Your Own Safety

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taxi.licensing@adur-worthing.gov.uk

For your Own Safety

Personal security tips for members of the public using Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles

Whilst a very rare occurrence in Worthing, a number of people over the years, have been attacked by "cab drivers".  Nationally, the vast majority of these attacks have been associated with unlicensed drivers,  in unlicensed vehicles. It makes sense to only use a licensed taxi, or a licensed private hire operator.

Licensed taxi & private hire drivers have passed a criminal record check, a health check and passed an exam. Licensed vehicles have undergone stringent safety checks. There are obviously no such guarantees with the 'unlicensed trade'. 

Here are a number of simple steps to assure yourself that the vehicle you are entering is licenced. These precautions will help to ensure your safety when using taxis and private hire vehicles: 

• If booking in advance, ask for your driver's name and what sort of car he will be driving, then when the car arrives, make sure it is your car by confirming the driver's name.
• Make sure the vehicle is licensed. All licensed taxis and private hire vehicles should have a licence plate at the top left corner of the windscreen with the vehicle's details, and another on the back of the vehicle.
• Do NOT approach a "likely" car and ask "Can you take me to ...?"  You may get more of a ride than you bargained for.
• When you are happy that the vehicle is licensed,  make sure the driver is licensed as well.  He will be wearing a photo ID badge, matching the plate on the car, issued by Worthing Borough Council. If your vehicle is a taxi, or a Private Hire Vehicle using a meter, make sure that the meter is not already clocking up a fare.  (The driver is entitled to charge you if you have kept him waiting.)
• It is advisable not to sit in the front unless absolutely necesary.
• Do not engage the driver in conversation - he does not need the distraction.
• Please do not phone for half-a-dozen cars and take the first one to arrive. The other drivers do not need the aggravation, (for which they do not get paid), and other people will have to wait longer for a car. Furthermore, many companies now have caller ID on their phone systems, and will automatically block a call from a "timewaster". You may not find this out until you need a car urgently and cannot get one.
• Do not take a car booked by someone else. If the driver takes you without a proper booking he may not have insurance.  That means that you will not be covered while a passenger in his car.  If you are injured in an accident, it is too late to get insurance cover.  No-one needs insurance until they really need it, and by then it is far, far too late.
• Finally, pay the driver.  He has done you a service and should be paid for it.  If you do not pay, you could be the one who ends up in Court.

Advice for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers

Personal security tips for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers

Taxi and PHV drivers often have to work in isolated places, at night, deal with strangers and carry cash, all of which makes them particularly vulnerable to violence. The Department for Transport has put together guidance notes for taxi and PHV drivers on measures they can take to stay safe.

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