When you require a taxi in Southampton, there are three ways that you can do this -

Phone for one, flag one down, or approach a taxi which is sat on a taxi rank at the roadside

All the licensed white cabs in Southampton are fully insured to pick people up from the roadside. These have an identification licence plate on the back outlined in red.  White saloon car taxis also have a large roof box which clearly identifies them as a taxi, and Multi-Purpose Vehicle taxis including the famous London cab, have a taxi sign on the roof.

It's really important for people to know that if they get into a Southampton Private Hire Vehicle at the roadside, without it having been specifally pre-booked for them the insurance is invalid - leaving them at risk should there be an accident. Private Hire Vehicles do not have a taxi sign on their roof , and can be any colour except white - so it is very easy to tell the difference.

There is to be zero tolerance towards Private Hire's touting for work at the roadside, as it is illegal and dangerous.  Additionally, these vehicles are costing the Southampton Taxi Drivers who are licensed to pick up people from the roadside, a serious loss in income which they simply cannot afford.

Private Hire drivers who commit misdemeanours, such as picking up people without a pre-booking will be reported to the Southampton City Council Licensing Department.

Remember - White Taxis (like the one above) in Southampton are fully insured to pick people up from the roadside and taxi ranks.

Private Hire Vehicles (which are any colour except white) can only pick people up who have pre-booked a ride - otherwise their insurance is invalid leaving their passengers at risk.