Travelling home safely in a taxi
To ensure your journeys are safe and secure, follow the safety advice provided below.
General safety advice
- Pre-book your ride with a reputable company or a trusted taxi driver
- Keep a record of your call and journey details to leave a traceable trail
- Whenever possible, travel home with friends
- Set aside your fare money to avoid spending it
- Carry your mobile phone to verify the safety of the taxi/private hire vehicle
Checks to perform
- Verify the license plate at the back of the vehicle; note it down or take a photo as it uniquely identifies the vehicle
- Request the driver to show their badge; ensure the photo matches their appearance and note the badge number or take a photo
- Ensure the meter is on during the taxi journey and visible to you; if it's off, ask the driver to turn it on and note or photograph it
- Do not pay more than the maximum fee displayed on the meter; this fare covers one or more passengers
- Always ask for a receipt, particularly if the fare seems excessive; note or photograph it
- If a driver requests payment upfront, note or photograph the incident and move to the next taxi in the rank; inform a taxi marshal if present
- Should a driver refuse your fare, especially for a short trip, note or photograph the refusal and report to a taxi marshal if available
- In case of any concerns or refusals, document the incident
Information to document
- The plate number located at the rear of the vehicle and inside on the windscreen
- The driver's badge number, name, or the vehicle registration number