TAXI or PRIVATE HIRE CAR - What is the difference?

Firstly, in Scots law, a taxi is called just that, a taxi! (No old-fashioned "Hackney Carriages" up here!!); the law states that "taxi" means a hire car which is engaged, by arrangements made in a public place between the person to be conveyed in it (or a person acting on his behalf) and its driver for a journey beginning there and then; and "private hire car" means a hire car other than a taxi. It then goes on to define a hire car and permit a taxi to carry out private hire work. In other words, a taxi can be hailed on the street or at a taxi stance for immediate hire or it may be pre-booked but a private hire car MUST be pre-booked.

Edinburgh's taxis operate within the area controlled by the City of Edinburgh Council which includes South Queensferry, Kirkliston, Ratho, Ratho Station, Newbridge, Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Dalmahoy. They can take you anywhere outwith that area should you wish.

In Edinburgh taxis are required to be "purpose-built taxis." Whilst this used to hold strictly true, nowadays, some converted vans are accepted by the council as being "purpose-built," despite being converted vehicles. These vans account currently for around 29% of the Edinburgh taxi fleet leading to some confusion among the public despite the vehicles being required to display the word "TAXI" in bold lettering on several parts of the bodywork in addition to a roof sign.

Whilst this site offers information and help about using Edinburgh's legally licensed taxis, we offer here some guidance and information about private hire cars and their operation.

Private hire cars (or minicabs as some call them) MUST be pre-booked. They cannot legally be hailed on the streets nor can they park in a public place in the hope of attracting business.

NOTE: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PRIVATE HIRE TAXI, NO MATTER WHAT OTHERS MAY CLAIM.

It is a sad fact that many private hire cars do offer their services illegally, particularly late at night when pubs and clubs are closing. Any member of the public using them in this way puts themselves at risk. The driver is breaking his licence conditions, the vehicle is not insured for this type of hire and in the event of any "incident," it is difficult to trace the driver or vehicle involved.

KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE - ALWAYS USE A LICENSED TAXI!