Leeds City Council is responsible for licensing Hackney carriage (taxis) and private hire vehicles and their drivers in Leeds. The taxi and private hire licensing section licence vehicles, drivers and operators to ensure they meet the conditions of their licence.
It is our job to make sure the taxi and private hire trade in Leeds is operated in a professional manner and that the correct standards of safety and comfort are satisfied by all vehicles, drivers and operators. We are committed to providing a quality transport service within the taxi and private hire trade.
Our overriding principle is the safety of the travelling public.
What is the difference between a Hackney carriage (Taxi) and a private hire vehicle?
You can tell the difference between a Hackney carriage (Taxi) and a private hire vehicle quite easily. Hackney carriages have an illuminated sign on their roof. They also have a predominantly white body and black boot and bonnet or advertising, known as a full corporate body wrap.
Can I hail/ flag down a Hackney carriage in the street?
Yes, unlike private hire vehicles which are required to be booked in advance with a private hire operator, you can hail or flag Hackney carriages down in the street. They can also be found at Taxi ranks.
Can I hail/ flag down a private hire vehicle in the street?
No, private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through a private hire operator. Failure to book in advance would invalidate any insurance in place therefore private hire vehicles cannot be hailed or flagged down under any circumstances.
It can be dangerous to use an un-booked private hire vehicle; the driver is not acting under the control of their operator and may be bogus. If you were to be the victim of a crime it would be very hard to trace the driver.
We are committed to providing a quality transport service within the taxi and private hire trade and welcome feedback in any form be it compliment, complaint or comment.
How to make a complaint
If you if you are unhappy with any aspect of the service provided by the taxi and private hire trade please follow the guidance below;
General complaints against a licensed driver, operator and/ or vehicle
If you wish to make a complaint regarding lost property, rudeness, lateness, overcharging, refusal to carry, parking nuisance, noise nuisance, behaviour, service, fares or cleanliness, please contact the private hire operator or taxi association in the first instance.
If you have already attempted to resolve the issue with them with no success, please contact us and we will carry out further investigations and refer the matter to the police, or other appropriate body, as applicable.
Complaints regarding race, disability and/ or sexual discrimination
Please contact us and we will carry out further investigations and refer the matter to the police, or other appropriate body, as applicable.
Please see our related pages for further information on;
- Applying for a Hackney carriage or private hire licence
- Taxi and private hire vehicles
- Taxi and private hire consultation
- Taxi and private hire trade information
Check the download tabs for copies of guides, conditions, application forms and much more!
Our contact details Our opening hours
Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Monday – Thursday - 8am – 3.30pm
225 York Road Friday - 8am – 3pm
Leeds, LS9 7RY Staff training every 2nd Tuesday 8am - 10am
0113 3781570
taxiprivatehire.licensing@leeds.gov.uk
Useful telephone numbers
West Yorkshire Police: 101
Crimestoppers UK: 0800 555 111
