Is it mandatory for private hire vehicles to have a taximeter?

For private hire vehicles, it is not mandatory to have a taximeter. Instead, fares should be discussed and agreed upon with the passenger in advance of the journey. This practice allows for greater flexibility and transparency in pricing, ensuring that both the driver and the passenger are on the same page regarding the costs before the ride begins.

The lack of a requirement for a taximeter means that private hire drivers can negotiate fares based on distance, time, or other factors uniquely relevant to the trip, which is different from traditional taxis that typically depend on a meter to determine fares during the ride. This system is particularly notable in the private hire sector, which emphasizes pre-arranged rates and agreements rather than in-journey fare calculations.