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.

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 The Duration Of An EEA Family Permit?: A family permit is obtained for six months to go to the UK.
Can You Appeal A UK Student Visa Decision?: It is possible to appeal a UK visa decision if your visa application has been refused. However, the grounds for appeal and the process can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. If you receive a refusal letter it should include information on whether you have the right to appeal and the time limit for doing so. If you are eligible to appeal you will need to fill out a form and provide additional evidence to support your case. The grounds for appeal may include: Procedural irregularities: If you believe that there were errors or inconsistencies in the visa application process that may have affected the outcome of your application. Human rights consideration: If you believe that your human rights have been violated by the decision to refuse your visa. Factual inaccuracies: If you believe that the decision was based on incorrect information or misunderstanding of the facts. Changes in circumstances: If you have new information or circumstances that were not included in your initial application. It is important that the appeal process can be complex and time-consuming and there is no guarantee that your appeal will be successful. Therefore it may be helpful to seek legal advice from an immigration solicitor who can guide you through the process and help you present your case effectively.
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.
Can You Appeal A Revoked License UK?: Yes, it is possible to appeal a revoked license in the UK. When a license is revoked, the individual is typically given written notice of the revocation, along with information on their right to appeal. The specific procedures for appealing a revoked license will depend on the type of license and the regulations governing that license. For example, if a driver's license has been revoked, the individual may be able to appeal the decision to a magistrates' court within a certain period of time (usually 21 days). The appeal will typically involve a hearing before a judge, who will review the evidence and make a decision on whether to uphold or overturn the revocation. If the license in question is a professional license (such as a medical license or a license to practice law), the appeal process may be more complex and involve a hearing before a regulatory body or professional association. It's important to note that the appeal process can be complex and time-consuming, and may require the assistance of legal professionals. Individuals who are considering appealing a revoked license should seek legal advice as soon as possible, and should ensure that they understand the specific procedures and deadlines involved in the appeal process.
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.
Can I Appeal A University Rejection UK?: Yes, it is possible to appeal a university rejection in the UK. If you have received a rejection from a university, you should first carefully review the decision letter to determine the grounds on which your application was refused. This will help you determine if you have valid grounds for appeal. The grounds for appeal may include: Factual inaccuracies: If you believe that the university made an error in assessing your application or did not consider relevant information. Procedural irregularities: If you believe that the university did not follow its own admission procedures or did not provide adequate information about the application process. Mitigating circumstances: If you experienced significant extenuating circumstances that impacted your application, such as a serious illness or family emergency, and were not taken into account. Discrimination: If you believe that the university discriminated against you on the basis of a protected characteristic, such as your race, gender, religion, or disability. Once you have identified the grounds for your appeal, you should contact the university's admission office to request information about the appeal process. The university may have a formal appeals process that you will need to follow, which may involve submitting additional information or attending an appeal hearing. Finally, the appeal process can be lengthy and there is no guarantee that your appeal will be successful. Therefore, it may be helpful to seek advice from a legal professional with experience in education law who can guide you through the process and help you present your case effectively.
Who Pays For Prisons In The UK?: Prisons in the UK are funded by the government, primarily through the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The MOJ is responsible for the management of the prison system in England and Wales, and for setting the overall budget for prisons. The cost of running a prison can be significant and includes expenses such as staff salaries, food and utilities, maintenance and repairs, and healthcare and education services. The government allocates funding for each individual prison based on factors such as its size, location, and the needs of its population. In addition to government funding, some prisons in the UK also generate income through activities such as manufacturing, recycling, and providing services to other public sector organizations. For example, some prisons run call centers or provide laundry services to hospitals or other government facilities. Overall, the cost of running the UK's prison system is a significant expense for the government and is subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate around issues such as funding levels, staffing, and the effectiveness of the prison system in achieving its goals.
How Quickly Can An Immigration Lawyer Prepare My Application?: The time it takes for an immigration lawyer to prepare your application in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the availability of necessary documents and information, and the workload of the lawyer or law firm. It's important to have realistic expectations regarding the timeline for application preparation. The workload and availability of your immigration lawyer or law firm can affect the turnaround time. Busy lawyers or firms may have a higher volume of cases and may need sufficient time to allocate resources and attention to your application.
What Do I Need To Apply For An EEA Family Permit?: The application submission basis will determine the type of documentation that must be provided. Identification documents from both the EEA national and the non-EEA federal applicant are required, as are related documents and proof that the EEA national is a "qualified person" in the UK.