EXPLORE ABERDEEN

Licensing - Private Hire Car Licence

Details

In terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, Aberdeen City Council requires all vehicles operating as a Taxi or a Private Hire Car to be licensed.  Drivers of these vehicles also require to hold a separate Taxi or Private Hire Car Driver's Licence.

There are two categories of vehicle currently licensed by the City of Aberdeen Council:

  • Taxis and,
  •  Private Hire Cars (PHCs).

Taxis

There are approximately 957 taxis in Aberdeen. These bear a distinctive white roof sign.  Each vehicle also bears a numbered identification plate at the rear. The majority of these rear plates are yellow and are for City zoned taxis.  About 147 vehicles bear a green plate and are airport zoned taxis.  Approximately 38% of taxis are wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Taxis can be hailed on the street or at taxi ranks. They can also be pre-booked.

Private Hire Cars (PHC)

There are approximately 190 private hire cars in Aberdeen. These vehicles do not carry roof signs and have a red identification plate at the rear and a smaller red identification plate at the front.

Private hire cars cannot be hailed on the street or collect passengers at taxi ranks and must be pre booked.

Fares

All taxis and most private hire cars carry calibrated taximeters and the maximum fare that can be charged for a journey within Aberdeen is set out in the Taxi Fare Tariff set by the Licensing Committee.  A copy of the Tariff is available in each vehicle for the information of the travelling public.

Fares are calculated using a calibrated meter according to the City of Aberdeen approved tariff.  PHCs with a meter may charge less than the approved fare table indicates.  For taxi journeys outside of Aberdeen, or PHCs without a meter, the fare must be negotiated before the journey commences.

Drivers

All taxis and private hire cars must be driven by licensed drivers.

Complaints

Should you wish to lodge a complaint regarding taxis or private hire cars please contact the Taxi Inspector, Taxi Inspection Depot, Aberdeen City Council, Kittybrewster Depot, Powis Place, Aberdeen. Telephone: 01224 489300 or e-mail: licensing@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Contact(s)

Frequently Asked Question(s)