Hailing a cab
If you see a cab with an illuminated orange light, it is for hire.
If it isn’t, it isn’t, so save your energy.
Here are a few tips about where to stand:
- know where you are and where you are going. This sounds a bit odd, because of course you do. But, as an example, suppose you are coming out of the Ritz hotel on Piccadilly and want to go to Waterloo station. Knowing that is east and south, ie right and behind the main entrance to the hotel, help you realise that crossing the road will help. That is the general direction cabs are heading on that side of the road. Of course, you may not be able to, there may be a cab just by the hotel, the road may be restricted, so just grab any cab you can and be aware they may go a long way round or do a U turn.
- don’t stand in the road
- look out for cyclists as bikes hurt if they hit you
- don’t stand by traffic lights, road crossings, bus stops (not safe, is an obstruction plus cabby make think you are hailing a bus), road junctions, in the middle of roundabouts or places where no stopping is allowed or where the stopped cab may cause a jam
- if there is a taxi rank nearby eg at a station or big store, and there are cabs on it, use one of them
Remember that the driver has to pull in safely and legally and doors have to open. If the driver thinks it is not possible, they may stop elsewhere and you will have to walk (or they may not stop at all).
Hail a taxi by raising your left arm. There’s no need to shout “TAXI”. Stay on the pavement until the car stops. If you are in a safe place and the cab has an illuminated sign and yet still does not stop, try to grab their number and report them. Use 0845 300 7000 (also for any inappropriate behaviour).
When they do stop, the front passenger window will be lowered and you can tell the driver your destination. Get in when they agree to take you.
Giving your destination
The drivers know London.
Some destinations are obvious: Buckingham Palace, Selfridges, London Zoo, Imperial War Museum…
Some are not. Asking for “The Hilton” gives maybe 20 possibilities. Saying “Park Lane Hilton” is 100% clear. You can never give too much information to a driver. They may say ‘I know that’ and that’s great. If it is somewhere obscure but you know the area, give help.
You do not want to find yourself 20 miles away from your correct destination because of a misunderstanding.
The driver may ask for more information if it is not clear. If your English is not so good, have it printed or on a device so you can show where you want to go.
Remember that the driver will follow their best route unless you say otherwise. This may involve back roads and diversions.
They will start the meter when the destination has been agreed, you are in the back and the door is shut.
They may talk to you or they may not.
Where can you go?
There are rules and limits. Twelve (12) miles for most journeys in Greater London or twenty (20) to Heathrow, or one hour. If you ask for more, they may accept you or may not. It is fine for them to refuse a journey out of the area. Otherwise, they cannot refuse on distance or direction alone.
They may accept it if they are for example, already going roughly that way eg to home.
If you want to go somewhere that is too far, consider booking a cab in advance on-line or a private hire vehicle, and pay in advance.
How else can they refuse you?
If you appear drunk or drinking or drugged or dirty, if you are aggressive or disrespectful or loud, if there are several in your party who appear out of control or the group is too big, if you are smoking and appear that you might smoke in the vehicle, if you are eating potentially smelly or messy food, if you are carrying weapons or large or offensive items, if you have pets that may cause mess or destruction or are a safety risk (guide dogs must be accepted unless the driver has an allergy), if you have too much luggage for one cab.
Can you eat in a taxi?
You can ask, before you get in, but our guess is no. We’re sure taxi drivers don’t like the smell of other people’s food and they hate the potential for mess. It’s also very unpleasant for the next passengers.
So ask beforehand, but if the answer is no, finish your food and then find a cab.