Since the launch of the Southampton Hackney Association website last August, we have had 6850 page views! This is a great achievement for our member drivers since it puts the white taxis of Southampton on the map, and helps to promote the Hackney Carriage trade in the city - this is our overall aim for the website.

On average each of our website visitors browses for over 2 minutes on the site, and takes a look at around 3 pages. We can see that 'our partners' page is one of the most visited on the site, so a great opportunity to showcase your business at a very low cost.

If you are a SHA member and would like to showcase your own taxi firm on the site, give us a call on 02380 659011, other businesses related to the motor trade may benefit from advertising with us, along with hotels and bed and breakfasts to name but  few. Take a look at our partners page now, and see how this advertising might work for you.

Did you know that you are able to advertise on the SHA website?

For a very low cost, we can add you to our partners page, with a rotating business card which turns to reveal a link to your website or contact details. 

Many local businesses have already done so - why not visit our partners page - hover over the business cards to see them twizzle round! 

This is a perfect opportunity to get your business promoted online, do get in touch if you would like to find out more 02380 659 011 

Urban Myth has it that London Taxis still have to carry a bale of hay in their boot to be legal.

John Thomas of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association says, the law did exist at one time but it is not a requirement any more -  it was finally removed from the law books in 1976.

In the 1800's cabbies drove horse-drawn carriages. The London Hackney Carriage Act made it illegal for drivers to feed their horse, unless it was from a bag or corn or hay from their hands. Presumably this was to prevent  traffic jams in the street whilst they refuelled. Or, maybe it was to stop the horse nibbling at peoples front gardens?!  Drivers must have had to have a handy stack of hay available on board at all times to meet their horses needs!

With the recent petrol pump crisis, it makes you wonder if being a taxi driver was easier back then?

The Southampton Hackney Association is here to support and promote the Hackney Carriage Taxi trade in Southampton. Recently we have provided information upon the whereabouts and number of taxi ranks to the City Council's Licensing Department, to help with their internal review.

There are currently 283 licensed white taxis in Southampton, with just 73 day and 18 night time ranks. The SHA believe that we desperately need more ranks so that drivers can safely and legally wait for trade, we have also suggested that the major taxi ranks be lengthened to accommodate long wheel base taxis.

We have put forwards a number of other suggestions to the council and the Highways Department, such as using Asylum Road, off of Bellevue as a feeder rank to the London Road at night time, this would help both drivers and local residents. Additionally, we have asked that signage be placed at the junction of West Street and High Street informing drivers of HGV's that there are weight and width restrictions in the street. This would alleviate congestion and help everyone concerned.

If you are a Hackney Carriage Taxi driver in Southampton, why not  join us?  Please click here to find out more.