Hackney Carriage
Unmet Demand Survey 2025
Dover District Council limit the number of Hackney Carriages within the district to 74. In order to maintain this limit the licensing authority must instruct an independent survey to test whether there is a shortage of taxis. The survey is carried out by an external company who seek the views of members of the public to hear about their experiences with the availability of taxis.
The Survey is now live and will close on 28th July 2025
Click here to complete the survey
Hackney Carriage
Hackney carriages are vehicles of any form or construction that are used either to ply for hire in the street either by hailing or by waiting on a rank to be hired.
Plying for Hire
Hackney Carriages (taxis) operate from taxi ranks and can be hailed in the street. Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked.
Hackney carriages must be licensed and must display a numbered plate issued by us on the front and rear of the vehicle.
The driver of a hackney carriage must also be licensed and must wear the identification badge issued by us in a clear and readable position.
Fares
A hackney carriage, when working within the district where it is licensed, is required to use a meter to determine the fare charged and must have the maximum tariff displayed in the vehicle where it can be clearly seen by the passengers. Where the journey starts or ends outside of the district the requirement to use a meter ceases and the fare may be agreed between the driver and the hirer. Where no such contract is made the hirer cannot be charged more than that displayed on the taxi meter or that would have been displayed had the meter been utilised.
Contact the Licensing Section
Telephone: 01304 872295
Email: licensing@dover.gov.uk