Please see below a guide for hiring a taxi in Pontypridd and throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. Many thanks to the Licensing team at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for this information.

1. If you are taking a Hackney Carriage (black in RCT) the first thing you should look for is that the dome is illuminated. This indicates whether the vehicle is actually for hire and secondly that the meter has not already been set to run. Commonly known as warming the meter.

2. Once inside the driver should ask you where you are going and then may ask for some money upfront. This is not illegal but the amount should be appropriate for the length of journey. The meter of the taxi should be used on all journeys unless you are travelling outside of RCT, on these trips a fee can be agreed upfront or the meter can still be used by mutual agreement. If you are travelling within RCT the meter should always be used and if at your destination the amount shows less than you have already given the driver he should then give you change.

3. If this does not happen then you are advised to get as much information as possible, noting the description of the driver, the time, and most importantly the Hackney Carriage number or the registration. Armed with this information you should then contact the Licensing Section in Rhondda Cynon Taf to make a complaint.

Please do not be tempted to get into any unlicensed vehicle as these will not possess the correct insurance, the drivers have not been subject to a DBS check (criminal background) and are acting illegally if they are taking money for lifts. In other words they are working for “Hire & Reward” without a licence.

If you have information and/or evidence of anyone that the above describes you should call the Licensing Section in Rhondda Cynon Taf to make a complaint on01443 425001 or email Licensing.Section@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk