Report the use of private vehicle's for hire

Report an unlicensed or unsafe lift service in BCP

Dorset Police are responsible for enforcing road traffic regulations with a focus on maximising community safety.

Dorset police also have a duty to protect the public and reduce the number of collisions and casualties on our roads and to ensure that vehicles are being driven lawfully.

If you’ve used a lift service that has made you feel unsafe, or if you suspect a driver is providing lifts without a licence, please report it to us.

How can I tell if a taxi is genuine?

A taxi service can be defined as either a Hackney Carriage or a Private Hire Vehicle.

A Hackney Carriage will usually have a ‘TAXI’ sign on its roof, and will have a plate on the back of the vehicle, displaying their taxi licence number and the area they’re licensed to work in.

A Hackney Carriage is available for immediate hire and can be ‘hailed’ in the street or pre-booked via the provider.

Private Hire Vehicles, also known as minicabs, will have a licence plate on the front or rear of the vehicle or a special disc on the windscreen or rear window.

Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked, with exception of Executive Hire Vehicles.

The control of Hackney Carriages, Private Hire Vehicles and drivers is the responsibility of the local authority. The local authority can impose conditions to licenced taxi drivers, such as the type of vehicle used, the condition of the vehicle, use of meters, display of signs and notices, fares and the fitness of drivers.

Concerns about licensed taxis or private hire vehicles operating in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole should be reported to the council by email: taxi.privatehire@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Lifts for financial reward

The Dorset Road Safety Partnership have been made aware of several social media groups (including Facebook Lifts) which have been created to advertise lifts in return for financial reward.

Whilst giving occasional lifts to friends or family members is common practice, setting out to make profit by providing lift services is an offence and could invalidate insurance, contrary to Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

When getting into a vehicle with an unlicensed and unvetted stranger, you have no knowledge of their background and risk your own personal safety.

Information relating to unlicensed lift services should be reported to Dorset Police using this form.

*This reporting process is part of a pilot scheme and is currently only available for residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.