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London Taxis Taxi fares All licensed cabs have meters that start charging around 1 pound. The fares will then increase either by minute or for each 340 yards that are traveled. The fares sometimes increase with each extra passenger, every piece of luggage, and/or unsocial hours (such as late at night). All fares should be displayed in the vehicle. Finding a cab All licensed cabs must display a "For Hire" sign on the roof of their cab that will light up when the cab is free for hire. When searching for a cab you may either call them, hail them on a street or find them in a local taxi rank which will be found near large stations or the major hotels. Once you find a cab simply tell them your destination and they must take you anywhere within a radius of 6 miles, as long as it is in the Metropolitan Police district which includes most of the Greater London area and Heathrow Airport. Alternatives and Warnings In order to operate as a taxi driver, the driver must go through a series of stringent tests in order to acquire their license. They are tested on their knowledge of London streets and the quickest route to any destination.  Because of this, your safest bet is to first find a taxi over a minicab. Often times the minicabs that are found in the streets operate illegally, without insurance and licenses. However, an alternative to black cabs are minicabs which are sedans that are summoned by calling a firm or stopping in to one of their offices. You should negotiate your fare before setting off. You can find a listing of minicab companies in the Yellow Pages. Useful Numbers Computer cabs (licensed) 0207-286-0286 Radio Taxis (licensed) 0207-272-0272 Ladycabs (women-only drivers) 0207-254-3501 Lost Property 0207-833-0996 Complaints 0207-230-1631

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