Duties of Passengers When Travelling with a Taxi Company in Woking – 2025 Update
Duties of Passengers When Travelling with a Taxi Company in Woking
Travelling with a taxi company in Woking is one of the most convenient and reliable ways to move around our town and the surrounding Surrey area. Whether you’re heading to the Woking station, the airport, or a business meeting, companies like Pro Cars Woking aim to make every journey safe, comfortable, and professional.
However, while drivers and operators have clear legal duties under Woking Borough Council’s licensing regulations, passengers also have responsibilities. Understanding these duties helps ensure every taxi in Woking runs smoothly, fairly, and safely for everyone involved.
This article explains the main duties of passengers travelling with licensed taxi and private hire companies in Woking, based on the latest 2025 updates and local council regulations. What is your Woking taxi company?
1. Always Use a Licensed Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle
Your first responsibility as a passenger is to travel only in licensed vehicles. In Woking, both taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are licensed by Woking Borough Council.
Licensed taxis display:
- An official licence plate on the rear of the vehicle
- An internal plate on the front windscreen
- A visible driver identification badge
Unlicensed vehicles may look similar, but they are not insured for hire and reward. Passengers who use them are at risk — there is no guarantee of safety, insurance, or recourse if something goes wrong.
If you’re unsure, check for the licence plates or contact the operator directly. Pro Cars Woking taxi company vehicles are all fully licensed, regularly inspected, and driven by DBS-checked professionals for your safety.
2. Pay the Correct Fare Promptly
Every licensed taxi in Woking must charge according to the official taxi fare tariff published by Woking Borough Council. These fares are reviewed regularly to ensure fairness and transparency.
As of 2025:
- Tariff 1 (Daytime): £5.72 for the first mile (Monday–Saturday, 7am–11pm)
- Extra passengers: 50p each after the first passenger
- Soiling charge: £100 if a passenger soils or damages the vehicle, rendering it unfit for immediate hire
- No charge for luggage or assistance dogs
When travelling outside Woking (for example, Woking to Heathrow or Woking Gatwick Airport), the fare should either follow the meter rate or be agreed in advance with the driver or operator. Pro Cars Woking has dedicated pages for Woking local journeys rates and Woking airport transfers rates.
If you believe you’ve been overcharged, note the driver’s badge number, vehicle plate, and fare amount, then contact either the company or Woking Borough Council’s licensing team to file a complaint.
3. Be Ready at the Pickup Point
Timekeeping is crucial in professional taxi operations. Passengers are expected to be ready when the vehicle arrives or to inform the driver promptly if there is a delay.
Most operators, including Pro Cars Woking taxi company, allow a short waiting time before applying a charge. Being punctual helps:
- Avoid unnecessary waiting-time fees
- Keep schedules on track
- Prevent delays for other passengers or bookings
If you can’t make it, cancel in advance — it’s both courteous and often saves you a fee.
4. Communicate Clearly and Courteously
Drivers need clear instructions to complete your journey efficiently. Passengers should:
- State the destination accurately when booking
- Mention any preferred routes in advance (e.g. “via the A3” or “avoid M25”)
- Be polite and avoid giving contradictory or last-minute directions
A courteous tone makes all the difference. Taxi travel is a professional service — respect and good manners ensure a pleasant experience for both driver and passenger.
5. Behave Respectfully and Safely
This duty is central to Woking’s taxi regulations and Pro Cars Woking’s T&C standards of service. Passengers must not behave in a way that endangers or offends the driver or others.
In particular:
- Do not smoke, vape, or consume alcohol in the vehicle
- Avoid abusive, discriminatory, or aggressive language
- Keep noise levels reasonable — no loud music or shouting
- Do not distract the driver while driving
- Avoid eating messy food that might spill or smell
If a passenger behaves aggressively, the driver has the right to end the journey for safety reasons. Likewise, any damage or soiling may incur the council-approved £100 cleaning fee.
6. Follow Seatbelt and Child Safety Rules
For your safety and compliance with UK law, passengers must wear seatbelts whenever available.
For children:
- Under 3s may travel without a car seat only in a licensed taxi (in the back seat).
- Children aged 3 and over must wear an adult seatbelt if no suitable child seat is available.
- Parents should inform the operator in advance if a child seat is required.
At Pro Cars Woking, we encourage parents to bring their own car seats for regular journeys, particularly for airport transfers or Pro Cars Woking can offer child seats free of charge.
7. Do Not Carry Hazardous or Illegal Items
Passengers must not bring aboard any items that could endanger the driver, other passengers, or the public. This includes:
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Explosives, gas canisters, or flammable materials
- Illegal substances or drugs
- Hazardous chemicals
- Excessively bulky or unsafe luggage
Drivers are entitled to refuse service if they suspect an item is dangerous or illegal.
8. Respect the Vehicle and Equipment
Taxis are professional vehicles maintained at high standards. Passengers should:
- Avoid damaging or marking seats, doors, or interior fittings
- Keep feet off seats and dashboards
- Dispose of rubbish properly
- Handle doors and seatbelts carefully
- Avoid slamming doors or using unnecessary force
Treating the vehicle respectfully ensures it remains in excellent condition for the next passenger — and keeps fares fair by avoiding maintenance costs.
9. Accept Lawful Refusal of Service
Drivers in Woking are permitted to refuse passengers in limited circumstances, such as when:
- The passenger is intoxicated, abusive, or poses a risk
- The passenger attempts to avoid paying or underpays
- The passenger requests transport of illegal or dangerous items
Such refusal is lawful and supported by Woking Borough Council’s licensing handbook. Passengers should not take it personally — safety and professionalism come first.
10. Use Official Channels for Complaints
If you ever experience a problem — whether it’s a fare dispute, vehicle issue, or driver conduct — the correct process is to report it, not to argue or withhold payment.
In Woking, you can:
- Contact the operator (e.g. Pro Cars Woking) directly through their website or phone number.
- File a complaint with Woking Borough Council’s Taxi Licensing Team, providing:
- Vehicle plate number
- Driver badge number
- Date and time
- Journey details
This ensures transparency and allows the council to investigate fairly.
11. Support Cleaner, Safer Travel
As of 2025, Woking Borough Council is actively supporting cleaner transport and stricter licensing enforcement. You’ll notice more electric and hybrid taxis on the road.
Passengers can help by:
- Choosing operators with eco-friendly vehicles (like Pro Cars Woking)
- Avoiding unnecessary idling or delays at pickup points
- Respecting vehicles equipped with advanced safety or monitoring systems
By being responsible travellers, passengers contribute to Woking’s broader sustainability goals.
12. Stay Informed — Know the Local Rules
Finally, every passenger should know that local licensing rules can differ from town to town. When you travel with a Woking taxi company into areas like Guildford, Byfleet, Ripley, or Knaphill, fare rates and local taxi companies regulations may vary.
Woking’s official Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Handbook (2025 edition) is available on the council’s website and includes full fare charts, vehicle standards, and customer service expectations.
Example Scenarios
| Situation | Passenger Duty | Correct Action |
|---|---|---|
| You’re late for your pickup | Be ready / notify driver | Call or text your driver to update them; accept any waiting fee if applicable |
| You want to change your destination mid-journey | Provide clear instructions | Inform the driver and agree on extra fare/time if needed |
| You spill coffee on the seat | Keep vehicle clean | Offer to cover cleaning; expect a soiling fee |
| You think the fare is too high | Pay and complain properly | Pay the fare, then contact the operator or Woking Council to review |
| You suspect an unlicensed vehicle | Use only licensed taxis | Check the vehicle’s licence plates or ask for proof before entering |
Conclusion
Taxi travel in Woking is governed by strong local rules designed to protect passengers and drivers alike. But safety and fairness depend on both sides fulfilling their roles. Get the best taxi company in Woking!
A 3-time award-winning company for taxi services and airport transfers from 2020!
As a passenger, your duties are simple:
- Use licensed vehicles only
- Pay fairly and promptly
- Be respectful and safe
- Follow rules about seatbelts, conduct, and cleanliness
- Communicate clearly and handle disputes properly
At Pro Cars Woking, we take pride in offering safe, punctual, and professional taxi services throughout Woking and the surrounding areas. By understanding your passenger duties, you help us deliver the high standard of service our community deserves. Reliable taxi company in Woking: Pro Cars Woking.
For information on local taxi fares, licensing, and passenger rights, visit:
https://www.woking.gov.uk/business-licences-permits/licences-permits/taxi-private-hire-licences
Trusted Partners of Pro Cars Woking:
Pro Cleaning Woking
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