Black cabs can be hailed; minicabs cannot
Only London's licensed black cabs (taxis) can be stopped in the street or picked up at a taxi rank. Every minicab journey must be booked in advance through a licensed private hire operator, by phone, app, website or in person at the operator's office.
That rule applies even to genuine licensed drivers. TfL is clear that any minicab picking someone up off the street without a booking is acting illegally. An unbooked minicab is unregulated, and you are not insured as a passenger.
What touting looks like
- A driver approaches you outside a station, airport, club or event and offers a ride.
- Someone in arrivals or outside a venue says "taxi?" and walks you to a car.
- A door supervisor or stranger flags down a minicab for you.
In each case, the journey has not been booked, so it is not legal or safe, whatever badge is on display. Politely decline and use a black cab rank or your booked car.
How to check your booked car
- Confirm the booking. Ask the driver who the booking is for and where you are going, rather than offering your own name first.
- Check the driver's ID. Licensed private hire drivers carry photo identification showing their licence details.
- Check the vehicle. Licensed private hire vehicles display a TfL licence disc.
- Sit in the back and share your journey details with a friend if you are travelling alone at night.
Booking with Mason & Green
Mason & Green is licensed by Transport for London as a private hire operator (licence 10629). Every journey is pre-booked, fixed-price and assigned to a licensed driver and vehicle. At airports, your driver meets you inside the arrivals hall with a name board, so you never have to choose between strangers offering rides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hail a minicab in the street in London?
No. Only black cabs can be hailed or picked up at a rank. Minicabs must be booked in advance through a licensed operator, and an unbooked minicab journey is illegal.
Is an unbooked minicab safe if the driver has a TfL licence?
No. TfL says any minicab journey that has not been booked through a licensed operator is illegal and unsafe, and passengers are not insured.
How do I know my private hire car is genuine?
Check that the driver confirms your booking details, carries photo ID showing their licence, and that the car displays a TfL private hire licence disc.
Is Mason & Green licensed?
Yes. Mason & Green is licensed by Transport for London, Private Hire Operator Licence 10629.
Sources
Checked on 30 October 2026. Rules and dates can change, so please confirm with the official source before you travel.