Hackney carriages in Newcastle are either purpose-built or ‘converted’ vehicles which can carry wheelchair users in their wheelchairs, or saloon or estate cars or mpvs. All hackney carriages must be black in colour although wheelchair accessible vehicles can carry approved ‘all-over advertising’. They must all carry a roof sign with the word ‘TAXI’ clearly displayed. They will have an identification number displayed on rear mounted plate(red) on decals on each front door and in a prominent place in the interior. Hackney carriages can ply for hire, that is, they can pick up a passenger in the street or from a rank or can be pre-booked.

There is currently a limit on the number of hackney carriages licensed by the Council. They can only be driven by a person who has been granted a hackney carriage drivers licence by the City Council. They will have an identification badge which must be clearly displayed.

Reports

Hackney Carriage Report - May 2008

Licensing Committee Decision Report - May 2008

For more information please contact the Licensing Section, Newington Road East on (0191) 2783866.