Finding a cab for a short trip after landing at a UK airport is justifiable; nobody would prefer to walk for a short time after a flight. You can book a taxi to get to your destination. However, some travellers complain about taxi drivers refusing to take such rides. This rejection raises concerns about ‘Can taxis refuse short trips?’
Legal Obligations for Taxi Drivers
UK taxi drivers must take fares within their permitted region, especially those who operate hackney carriages.
According to Section 53 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, a driver cannot deny a fare within the designated distance without a valid reason. It is illegal to refuse a fare based just on the little distance travelled.
Local officials support this viewpoint. For example, according to Warwick District Council, a hackney carriage driver is not allowed to decline travel, no matter how long, inside the local authority’s border unless there is a valid reason, such as the passenger being violent or ill.
Read: How much would a taxi cost for 20 miles UK?
Penalties and Enforcement
Cab drivers who illegally deny short journeys risk serious repercussions. Penalties may include suspension or revocation of their taxi licence and fines of up to £1,000.
Enforcement measures have been implemented to find and punish non-compliant drivers, including mystery shopper exercises.
Read: Do taxis take cards?
Rights of Passengers and Reporting
Regardless of distance, passengers can travel anywhere within the taxi’s authorised service area. Passengers are urged to notify the local licensing authorities if a driver declines a short journey without a good explanation. Specifics like the taxi’s license number, time, and location might benefit investigations and law enforcement.
Read: Should I call a taxi for someone?
The Bottom Line
Taxis at UK airports are legally required to take short journeys within their licensed region unless there is a valid reason not to. Refusing such tickets is illegal and betrays the lack of dependability and confidence that people place in public transit.
Passengers should be informed of their rights and report any unfair denials to guarantee accountability and maintain service standards.Contact Ash Cabs taxi Dunfermline to book a cab in advance – no matter how short or long your trip is!
