PHC, minicabs or call them what you will, they are NOT TAXIS.
Although this site is about Edinburgh's legally licensed taxis, we feel that some guidance should be given about private hire cars. Although the vehicles are licensed by the Council and tested at the Police-run Taxi Examination Centre, the drivers are not tested on their abilities at all.
Most taxis in Edinburgh are purpose-built vehicles - purpose-built, that is, with specific safety, and other, features to make them vehicles to stand the rigours of the job they are required to do, and do so SAFELY. Saloon cars and MPVs are not built for use as hire vehicles.
Taxi drivers have to invest many hours and, indeed a lot of money, to learn their trade; all that is required of a private hire driver is that he is considered by the council to "be a fit and proper person to hold any licence." No check at all is made regarding his knowledge of Edinburgh. (a small but extremely important point, conveniently forgotten by the phc trade when they claim that they do take the same tests.) Many drivers with recent criminal convictions are granted a private hire driver's licence but are refused a taxi driver's licence.
It is well-documented that the police and Council ignore the illegal activities of many ph drivers, who tout for business illegally, who blatantly flout the law by ignoring traffic signs and who think they can act as if they were driving a taxi.
If the driver of any vehicle other than one of the vehicles pictured on our page about taxis approaches you, claiming to have a taxi , note the registration number of the vehicle and report it to the police. NEVER enter the vehicle. It may seem tempting to get you home, but think of the risks involved. It is NOT a taxi. It is NOT insured. The driver could be a rapist! (Yes - it has happened.)
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