The Government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response - Autumn and Winter Plan 2021’ which sets out the recommendations that everybody should take to protect themselves and others, as we transition towards learning to live with COVID-19. Find out what you can and cannot do here. Please check with individual venues and event organisers for updated information.

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If you turn to page 63 of the January 2020 edition of the Private Hire Taxi Monthly (PHTM) magazine - you will see an advert for Safe Systems CCTV Ltd. Dave Lawrie from Safe Systems CCTV has been approved by Southampton City Council and can offer you competitive service on a CCTV system for your Taxi or Private Hire vehicle.

Safe Systems CCTV are a nationally approved in-vehicle CCTV provider with over 20 years of experience in the licensed trade. They work with local authorities and trade groups and can provide help, support and the supply of a purpose built systems which comply with all legislation.

You can find more information about the company and the service they provide by visiting their website here.

Are you aware of the National Private Hire and Taxi Association? A leading trade association, they have provided support to drivers for over a quarter of a century. Please take a visit to their website and find out more - we think they are definitely worth supporting!

Why join?

Why not? Through National Private Hire Association you can access a range of interesting and relevant articles and features relating to our trade including  those concerning incidents connected with different councils. They also have a solicitors page on advice which could be of use and interesting letters from the Unite Union and the GMB. They even have a league table of fare prices of 362 councils.

If you'd like to find out more why not get in contact with them on (0161) 280 2800 or online at www.npha.org.uk

Although not directly related to the taxi or private hire trade, we know a number of ex-heavy haulage drivers work in our industry as well as those with a personal interest in these fascinating vehicles. Popular magazine, Heavy Torque, is a quarterly magazine which features news and in-depth articles about abnormal transport and heavy lifting.

The magazine contains some really interesting articles showing the way some huge and unusual loads are transported around the country and beyond along with fantastic photographs. Heavy Torque even host their own awards for innovators and high performers in their industry called 'The Heavies.' You can see a selection of articles on the website and subscribe or buy individual issues online.

Why not go and have a browse? https://www.heavytorque.co.uk/

If you are looking for someone reliable and professional to fit a meter, CCTV, dashcam or roof sign to your taxi, here are three of the best in the business recommended by Southampton Hackney Association:

Adam Collins - (07723) 566 246

If you want taxi meters or CCTV fitted to your vehicles contact Adam Collins who is the agent for Pagentry Cameras and Cygnus Meters. Adam also does dashcams and is an agent for Viking Meters out of the Southampton area.

Les Slater - (07760) 363 294

Les Slater is another agent for Viking Meters, mainly in Southampton and is additionally an agent for Verifeye Cameras. He also installs roof signs. 

Wayne Shorney - (07802) 586 186

Last but not least, Wayne is an agent for Pagentry Camera and Digitax Taxi Meters. Like Adam and Les, he can also fit and even supply dashcams, parking sensors and more.

The Southampton Hackney Association was established in 2000 with the purpose of providing help and support for Hackney Carriage taxi drivers in Southampton. Back in 2011, this website was created as a useful reference for both taxi drivers (who can find out about us and apply to join the association) and taxi users (educating them about the benefits of using a Hackney Carriage Taxi and giving details of the services we provide).

How often do you take a look at our blog? Here you will find regular blog posts on a range of interesting topics including up to date news and information relevant to taxi driving along with details about local Southampton attractions that can be visited by taxi.

Why not come along now and take a browse!

Are you are a taxi or private hire driver living in the New Forest, licensed by Southampton City Council and working in the city? According to the New Forest District Council website taxi licensing in The New Forest is being paid from our council tax.

However, New Forest District Council (NFDC) licenced drivers as well as drivers for Uber are working predominantly in Southampton not the New Forest! This is having a serious financial impact on our trade. NFDC are also licensing white private hire vehicles that look like very much like our own, which is in our opinion very confusing and conflicting for passengers.

Fellow Taxi Drivers,

We currently face a number of challenges in our profession, Uber and exhaust emissions to name a few, in addition to occasional difficulties with the licensing department.

So at this time, it is important that we all think positive and stick together! As Hackney Carriage taxi drivers, we provide members of the public with a safe, reliable and comfortable service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Southampton Hackney Association is here to provide help and support to each other in dealing with these difficulties and as a group to make our common interests heard.

Are you a local Hackney Taxi Driver? Why not join our group of self employed taxi drivers? Southampton Hackney Assosciation was set up in 2001 as a way to promote and benefit Hackney Taxi drivers in the city of Southampton. By becoming a member of the SHA you can benefit from the support of other drivers who have similar interests and issues of concerns as yourself.

Southampton Hackney Assosciation are approved and in regular consultation with Southampton City Council, helping them in fomulating policies which will be beneficial to our trade. We are also proud to be affiliated to Assosicated British Ports.

We are always pleased to welcome new members! If you would like to be considered for membership please download the form at the bottom of the Join Us page of our website. Or get in touch with any questions or queries.

On Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th May, the Private Hire and Taxi Exhibition will be taking place at Arena MK in Milton Keynes.

Here you will find over 60 interesting exhibitors all connected to our trade from fleet services to sign makers, legal advice to uniform manufacturers. 

There will also be a range of trade related seminars with plenty of opportunity for lively discussion and debate on a range of topics.

Well worth a visit!

You can find further information including a list of exhibitors who will be at the show here.