Why Use A London
Private Hire Operator?
Answer: Because it's the only legal way to make a booking
You have an obligation to ensure your executives are being handled by a competent company. Your colleagues are being driven by drivers you don't know, in vehicles you haven't checked. Choosing a company requires some research. Don't take a risk with your employees.
Our records are routinely checked by TfL. We've never failed a TfL inspection, nor received any warnings from them. We pass each time, every time.
Use our service and your responsibility in this area falls to zero. This is our raison d'être. We ensure all applicable licenses are kept current, all insurance documents are valid, and above all, laws, rules and regulations are followed.
These guidelines will help ensure you never have a problem. The main points to consider are:
Ask the private hire company for a copy of their Operator's Licence and check it here (TfL Website)
Is the company VAT registered in the UK?
Always ask the private hire company for references from similar companies
The Risks of Booking Directly with Drivers
The very worst thing you can do is approach a driver directly and ask him or her to drive you. 97% of drivers do not have an operator's licence, making it illegal for them to accept a booking directly from a customer. But most won't tell you this. They are usually more interested in the potential rewards than adhering to the law.
If an accident were to occur, the customer would most certainly lose out, as your journey is uninsured and you have no legal recourse.
Booking a Private Hire vehicle in London can only be done (legally) through a licensed Private Hire Operator. The only exceptions are wedding cars, where the car is going to/from a Church (or similar venue where civil/religious ceremonies take place) and funerals. Anything other than these two scenarios will require you to make your booking through a licensed Private Hire Operator.
Government Regulation for Your Safety
The Government has regulated the Private Hire sector in order to protect the safety of passengers. The main focus is on:
- 1)The person or entity taking the booking
- 2)The person doing the driving
- 3)The vehicle the customer is driven in
All three require separate licenses. The easiest way to ensure you comply with the law is to use a reputable Licensed Private Hire Operator. It is the Operator's responsibility to ensure the drivers and vehicles are all licensed.
How to choose an appropriate London Private Hire Operator
Check Operator's Licence
Ask for a copy of their licence and verify it on the TfL website. It's a public document that should be displayed in their premises.
Verify VAT Registration
Check if the company is registered in the UK and pays VAT. This indicates they're a legitimate, tax-paying business.
ISO Certification
Look for independent verification through ISO certification. It's globally recognized and shows commitment to quality standards.
Check References
Call references personally rather than emailing. Speak to office managers who use the service and ask detailed questions.
Detailed Verification Process
First: Ensure the company you wish to use is licensed. Ask for a copy of their licence. If the company refuses to give you a copy (this in itself, is not illegal), it should make you think twice before dealing with them… Why would they 'not' want to send you this document? It's a public document, as all private hire operators must have this document on display in their premises at all times.
Once you have a copy of their Operator's Licence, you can go to the TfL website, and check the validity of this licence. If you aren't able to get a copy, then check their business name against the TfL database. When checking business names on the TfL website, ensure you enter the name exactly as given.
Next: Check whether the private hire company is registered in the UK and pays VAT. Many 'companies' or private individuals are not registered with any UK authorities (HMRC, Companies House etc). Some because of tax avoidance, others, who knows? If a company does pay VAT, it's usually an indicator that they're bona fide, as no one would pay tax on earnings they wish to keep hidden.
ISO Certification: Another good indicator is independent verification of the company through ISO certification or awards. ISO certification is globally recognised and can be an excellent view into the inner workings of a company. It's also a great way to know whether a company has verifiable environmental standards which have been adopted, such as ISO 14001.
Finally: Check their references. Call the person mentioned personally, rather than emailing. A senior executive may not have time to talk, but you should speak to the office manager using the private hire company you are considering. Ask all the relevant questions you need to - are invoices received on time, are they always accurate, have there been any complaints from the executives regarding lateness, or uncleanliness? Even minor details can make a huge difference.
Adhering to most of the above will help you avoid the many unscrupulous private hire operators taking bookings in London. First, think about what kind of company you work for. Then, only consider a private hire company that matches your own high standards.
Be safe.
Blackwing.