Section 10: Taxi ranks and shelters

Section 10: Taxi ranks and shelters

This section has information on taxi ranks, rest ranks, taximeter bays and taxi shelters

Taxi ranks

Taxi ranks are fixed locations where people can hire a licensed taxi and can be a good place for taxi drivers to find work.

The rank is the only situation where a taxi may ply for hire while stationary.

Remember that not all ranks operate 24 hours a day – if a rank has restricted hours, these will be displayed on a sign at the rank.

A full list of TfL-appointed taxi ranks can be found in the TfL taxi ranks booklet.

The following is a summary of the taxi rank regulations:

• If you are the first or second taxi on a rank you must be present with your taxi, with the taxi light switched on, ready to be hired immediately
• You must not be on a rank at any time unless you are willing to be hired. Taxi ranks are not parking places for taxis
• When the taxis ahead of you on the rank are hired or move forward, you should also move forward and should not leave any spaces
• Taxis should be parked facing in the correct direction
• Broken- down taxis should be removed from the rank as soon as possible
• Taxi drivers must not stand together and block the road or pavement and should not disturb residents or other people in the area
• Unless there is a good reason for refusal, you must accept the hiring

Marshalled taxi ranks

Some taxi ranks may be marshalled – for example, during events or industrial action.

The taxi marshals organise passenger and taxi queues, deal with questions and help improve safety and security at the rank for both passengers and drivers. When using a marshalled taxi rank, you should follow the instructions of the marshal and remember that the normal taxi rank rules apply.

Taxi shelters and refreshment ranks

Taxi shelters are small, green wooden buildings that provide hot food and drinks for taxi drivers. Next to each shelter is a refreshment rank, and you are allowed to park on these ranks for a maximum of 45 minutes while you use the shelter. You must not use these ranks at any other time as this may prevent other drivers from getting a space, and the shelter-keep er will lose trade.

Rest ranks and taximeter bays

Rest ranks provide spaces where taxi drivers can park and take a break. You can stop on a rest rank for up to 60 minutes.

Taximeter bays are installed in the City of Westminster and provide spaces for taxi drivers to stop and take a break.

You should use these facilities to take a break or use the public toilets. When using the taximeter bays, you must comply with any restrictions regarding the times the bays are in operation.

Please be aware that staff from private premises (e. g. hotels, restaurants, coffee shops) have the right to refuse taxi drivers access to the toilets and facilities. You should always ask for permission before using these.

A list of refreshment ranks, rest ranks and taximeter bays is available in the TfL taxi ranks booklet.