Taxi pricing in the UK is regulated for taxis and quoted for private hire — and that difference is the source of most confusion. This guide covers how fares are set, why minicabs don't use meters, your right to a receipt, and the complaints route when a journey goes wrong.
Key takeaways
- Taxi fares are metered and regulated by the licensing authority.
- Private hire fares are quoted in advance — London PHVs can't have meters.
- You're entitled to a receipt — ask, always, especially for expenses or claims.
- Complain to the operator first, then to the licensing authority.
- Licensing complaints have teeth — they can affect a licence.
01 / TAXIHow taxi fares are set
Taxi (hackney carriage) fares are metered, and the tariff is set by the licensing authority — not by the driver and not by the market. The meter charges on a combination of distance and time, which is why a fare rises when traffic slows: the clock keeps earning even when the wheels aren't turning.
There are usually different tariffs for nights, weekends and public holidays, again set by the authority. The driver has no discretion to negotiate above the metered fare.
02 / PHVWhy minicabs quote instead
Private hire works the opposite way. Because journeys are pre-booked, the fare is agreed in advance with the operator. In London, private hire vehicles are not permitted to be fitted with taximeters at all — metering is reserved to taxis.
This is why fixed-fare pricing exists: it isn't a marketing gimmick, it's the natural shape of a pre-booked, non-metered service. And it has a real advantage — you know the price before you travel, and traffic is the operator's risk, not yours.
03 / RECEIPTYour receipt — ask for it every time
You are entitled to a receipt, and you should take one whether or not you think you need it. It matters more than people realise:
For expenses, obviously. But also for airline claims — if a cancellation or disruption forces you into a taxi, a receipt is what turns that cost into a reclaimable expense. And if something goes wrong, the receipt identifies the journey, the vehicle and the operator, which is the first thing any complaint needs.
04 / COMPLAINHow to complain, properly
Step one: the operator. Contact the firm that took the booking, with the date, time, route and driver details. A legitimate operator wants to know — a bad driver is their problem before it's yours.
Step two: the licensing authority. If it concerns driver conduct, vehicle condition, safety or overcharging, you can complain to the authority that issued the licence — TfL in London, the local council elsewhere. Note the badge number and vehicle registration.
These complaints are not decorative. Licensing authorities revoke licences, and a pattern of complaints against a driver or operator has real consequences.
05 / RUSHXOHow we handle it
A fixed fare agreed at booking, tolls and airport charges included. A VAT receipt emailed automatically — useful for expenses, and exactly what you need for an airline compensation claim. And 24/7 human support that can see your booking, so a problem gets solved rather than logged.
FAQFrequently asked questions
Who sets taxi fares in the UK?
Taxi (hackney carriage) fares are metered, with the tariff set by the licensing authority — not the driver. Private hire fares are quoted and agreed in advance with the operator instead.
Why don't minicabs use a meter?
Because private hire journeys are pre-booked, the fare is agreed in advance. In London, private hire vehicles are not permitted to be fitted with taximeters at all — metering is reserved to taxis.
Why does a black cab fare rise in traffic?
The meter charges on distance and time, so when traffic slows the journey, time keeps accruing and the fare increases. A pre-agreed fixed fare doesn't change, because the traffic risk sits with the operator.
Am I entitled to a taxi receipt?
Yes, and you should always take one — for expenses, for airline compensation claims after disruption, and because it identifies the journey, vehicle and operator if you ever need to complain.
How do I complain about a taxi or minicab?
Contact the operator first with the date, time, route and driver details. If it concerns driver conduct, vehicle condition, safety or overcharging, complain to the licensing authority — TfL in London, the local council elsewhere — noting the badge number and registration.
Do taxi complaints actually achieve anything?
Yes — licensing authorities can and do revoke licences, and a pattern of complaints against a driver or operator has real consequences. It's worth reporting.
Time Matters
Fixed fare, VAT receipt, human support
Fixed fares confirmed before you ride. Local licensed drivers, flight tracking, 24/7 human support — and no surge, ever.