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 Is The Experience Level Of TMC Solicitors In Handling Mergers And Acquisitions?: TMC Solicitors has extensive experience in handling mergers and acquisitions, with a successful track record of assisting clients in various industries.
I Have An EEA Family Permit; Am I Allowed To Work?: If your EU sponsor has treaty rights or permanent residency in the UK, you can start working with a family permit.
What Is TMC Solicitors' Experience In Handling Litigation Cases?: TMC Solicitors has extensive experience in handling a wide range of litigation cases, including civil, commercial, and employment disputes. We have successfully represented clients in various court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Can I Use My EEA Family Permit To Visit Europe?: A valid EU resident card issued in a member state may be visa evidence for travel to certain EU countries. However, it is always a good idea to double-check with the embassy of the country you intend to visit to obtain a visa.
Can TMC Solicitors Assist With International Company Formation?: Yes, TMC Solicitors has experience in assisting with international company formation, including advising on jurisdiction selection, cross-border transactions, and compliance with international laws.
What Is The Expertise Of TMC Solicitors In Handling Mergers And Acquisitions?: TMC Solicitors specializes in mergers and acquisitions, providing comprehensive legal guidance and support throughout the process.
How Much Does It Cost To Exclude A Child From School UK?: Exclusion from school in the UK is not a matter of cost, but rather a decision made by the school or the governing body based on the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff. However, there may be some costs associated with the provision of alternative education for the student during the period of exclusion. If the local authority provides education for the excluded student, the costs are typically covered by the authority. If the school provides the education, the costs may be borne by the school or by the parents. It is important to note that the costs of exclusion are not just financial, but can also have significant social and emotional impacts on the student and their family. Exclusion can result in the student falling behind academically, feeling isolated or stigmatized, and experiencing negative long-term effects on their mental health and well-being. It is therefore important for schools and local authorities to work with families to prevent exclusion wherever possible and to provide appropriate support and guidance when exclusion is necessary.
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.
What Are The Criteria For Exclusion?: The criteria of exclusion refer to the specific set of characteristics or conditions that would disqualify an individual or group from participating in a particular study or research project. These criteria are established by the researchers to ensure that the study results are valid and reliable by minimizing the potential confounding effects of certain factors that may skew the findings. The exclusion criteria may vary depending on the nature of the research, the target population, and the research question. Some common examples of exclusion criteria include age, gender, medical conditions, use of certain medications, history of certain diseases, and cognitive impairment. For example, if a research project aims to study the effectiveness of a new drug, the exclusion criteria may include individuals with a history of adverse reactions to the drug or those who are taking medications that may interact with the drug. Finally, the criteria of exclusion should be carefully considered and justified, and should not be used to unfairly exclude certain individuals or groups from participating in research.
Can TMC Solicitors Advise On Intellectual Property Strategy And Portfolio Management?: Absolutely, TMC Solicitors offers strategic counsel and guidance on intellectual property strategy, and portfolio management. We help clients identify and protect their valuable IP assets, develop licensing agreements, and implement effective IP strategies for business growth and protection.