What is plying for hire?

"Plying for hire" is a term used in the UK to describe the act of a vehicle stopping to pick up a passenger who has not pre-booked the journey. In the context of taxi licensing, plying for hire is an important consideration because it is a key factor that distinguishes private hire vehicles (PHVs) from hackney carriages (taxis).

Hackney carriages, or taxis, are licensed to ply for hire, meaning they can pick up passengers from a taxi rank or anywhere on the street, without the need for a prior booking. In contrast, private hire vehicles are not allowed to ply for hire and must be pre-booked by the passenger through a licensed private hire operator.

In practice, this means that taxis can pick up passengers who hail them on the street or from a taxi rank, while private hire vehicles must have a prior booking before picking up any passengers. If a private hire vehicle picks up passengers without a prior booking, it is considered to be plying for hire and the driver and operator could face penalties for operating illegally.

The distinction between plying for hire and pre-booked journeys is an important one for taxi licensing and regulation in the UK, as it helps to ensure the safety of passengers and maintain a level playing field for licensed operators.

Professionally
trained

Team is available 7
days a week

Focused on achieving results

Exceeds our client’s expectations

What are the penalties in the UK?

If a private hire vehicle is caught plying for hire in the UK both the driver and the operator can face penalties for operating illegally.

The penalties for plying for hire can vary depending on the local licencing authority and the specific circumstances of the offence. However some of the common penalties that can be imposed include:

Fixed penalty notice: Private hire drivers who are caught playing for hire may be issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of up to £100. Private hire operators who allow their drivers to ply for hire may also be issued with an FPN of up to £1,000.

Prosecution: If the driver or operator refuses to pay the FPN or the case is considered to be more serious they may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500. In some cases, the driver may also face penalty points on their licence.

Confiscation of Vehicle: If a private hire vehicle is caught plying for hire, it may be seized and impounded by the police. The driver and operator may be required to pay a fee to have the vehicle released.

It's important to note that the penalties for plying for hire can be severe and can have long-lasting consequences for the driver and operator. Private hire drivers and operators should always ensure that they are operating within the bounds of their licensing conditions and only accept pre-booked journeys to avoid any legal issues.

Revocation of licence: The local licencing authority may revoke the driver or operator’s licence. If they are found to have breached licencing conditions including plying for hire.

Confiscation of vehicle: If a private hire vehicle is caught plying for hire it may be seized and impounded by the police. The driver and operation may be required to pay a fee to have the vehicle released.

For Professional Information and Dedicated Help!

Get In Touch

0208 124 3222

Why choose TMC Solicitors?

In addition to appeals, TMC Solicitors can also provide advice and representation for a range of other legal issues related to taxi licensing, including licensing applications, compliance with licensing conditions, and disputes with licensing authorities or other drivers/operators.
At TMC Solicitor, we can provide advice and representation for appeals related to plying for hire offences in the UK. If you have been issued with a penalty notice or prosecuted for plying for hire, we can help you understand your legal options and provide expert advice on the best course of action to take.
In the case of an appeal, we can provide representation in court or in front of a licencing authority. We can help you build a strong case and present evidence to support your appeal with the aim of having the penalty reduced or overturned.
It is important to note the success of an appeal will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the strength of the evidence. However, by working with us, you can be confident that you have expert legal support and guidance throughout the process.
We also provide advice and representation for a range of other legal issues related to taxi licenceing including licencing applications compliance with licencing conditions and disputes with licencing authorities or other drivers and operators.

How Do I Appeal A University Admission Decision UK?: If you have been rejected by a UK university and wish to appeal the decision you can follow these steps: Review the universityâ€™s appeals process Identify the grounds for appeal Gather Evidence Write your appeal letter Submit your appeal Follow up Remember it is important to be polite and respectful throughout the appeals process. Keep in mind that universities receive many appeals so it is important to present a strong case and provide evidence to support your appeal.
How Many Points Do You Need To Suspend Your License UK?: In the UK, the number of points required to suspend a driving license depends on several factors, including the type of license held by the driver, the length of time the driver has held their license, and the number of points on their driving record. For example, if a driver has held a full UK driving license for less than 2 years, they will typically have their license revoked if they accumulate 6 or more penalty points. However, if the driver has held their license for 2 years or more, they can accumulate up to 12 penalty points before their license is revoked. It's important to note that the rules around penalty points and license suspension can be complex, and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the driver and the offense committed. Drivers who are at risk of having their license suspended or revoked should seek legal advice to understand their rights and obligations, and to determine the best course of action.
When To Contact A Corporate Law Solicitor?: Always contact a lawyer if any of the following apply to you: You've become the focus of a police investigation You and your business partner are at odds You may be injured as a result of someone else's negligence You are considering filing a lawsuit.
What Are The Costs Associated With Company Formation And Structuring Services Provided By TMC Solicitors?: The price depends on the particular needs and the case's complexity. It is best to contact TMC Solicitors directly for a personalized quote.
What Is Rule 45 In Prison UK?: Rule 45 is a provision under the Prison Rules 1999 in the UK that allows a prisoner to be held in "close confinement" for their own protection or the protection of others. This means that the prisoner is held in a separate cell, away from other prisoners, for a period of up to 22 hours per day. During this time, the prisoner may only leave their cell for essential purposes, such as to attend medical appointments or legal visits. The decision to hold a prisoner in close confinement under Rule 45 is made by the prison governor or another senior member of staff. The decision must be based on a careful assessment of the risks to the prisoner and others and must be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is still necessary. Close confinement under Rule 45 is considered a serious and potentially damaging form of punishment, and should only be used as a last resort. Prisoners who are held under Rule 45 must be treated fairly and humanely, and their physical and mental well-being must be closely monitored. They should be provided with appropriate support and interventions to help address the underlying issues that led to the need for close confinement. It is worth noting that Rule 45 is separate from solitary confinement, which is not a recognized practice in UK prisons. Solitary confinement involves isolating a prisoner from all human contact for extended periods, which can have severe psychological effects and is widely considered to be inhumane. Rule 45, on the other hand, allows for some limited contact and activities outside the cell.
What Expertise Do TMC Solicitors Have In Employment Law?: TMC Solicitors specializes in employment law and has a team of experienced lawyers with in-depth knowledge and expertise in this field. We can assist with various employment-related matters, such as contracts, discrimination, wrongful termination, and more.
What Expertise Do TMC Solicitors Offer In Company Formation And Structuring?: TMC Solicitors specializes in company formation and structuring, providing expert guidance on legal aspects such as choosing the right business structure, drafting necessary documents, and complying with relevant regulations.
What Approach Do TMC Solicitors Take When Handling Mergers And Acquisitions?: TMC Solicitors takes a strategic and meticulous approach to mergers and acquisitions, ensuring thorough due diligence, effective negotiation, and seamless execution.
What Should I Do If I Have A Legal Problem?: A competent attorney should always be consulted if you have a legal issue. The attorney of corporate law can give you a general assessment of the case. They also assist you in choosing the best course of action. You can also contact us or simply visit our website. We offer free assessments for businesses and our corporate law solicitors can help you solve your legal problem.
How Much Does It Cost To Engage TMC Solicitors For Employment Law Services?: The cost of engaging TMC Solicitors for employment law services varies depending on the specific requirements of your case. It is recommended to contact TMC Solicitors directly to discuss pricing details.