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Getting out and about

Travelling by car or taxi

On this page:

    Introduction

    If you are planning to travel by car or taxi, we’ve put together some useful information about car parking, taxi safety, and travelling with a wheelchair or assistance dog.

    Car travel

    If you usually travel by car, here is some information about parking within the East Riding.

    Taxi travel

    If you prefer to get around by taxi, we've got some advice on how to book a taxi, travel with your wheelchair and/or your assistance dog, and keep yourself safe.

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    Car parks

    There is a variety of council-run on-street and off-street parking across the East Riding.

    You can find a local car park on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.

    Parking charges

    Charges for parking apply in most cases. However on-street parking is free for Blue Badge holders and we have a number of free parking bays for motorcycle users.

    We offer cashless parking across the East Riding, you just need to download an app to your phone. You can find out more about car parking charges on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.

    Blue Badge parking permits

    If you have severe mobility issues, or a non-visible (hidden) condition, you may qualify for a Blue Badge parking permit.

    A Blue Badge holder can use the permit whenever they travel as either the driver or a passenger. It allows them to park close to their destination.

    You can find out more about Blue Badges and if you qualify on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.

    Taxi safety

    We recommend that you book a taxi wherever possible, but if you do hail a taxi from the street, make sure it is licensed. If you use a wheelchair, be aware that not all taxis are wheelchair accessible.

    How to check a taxi is licensed

    A licensed taxi driver must wear an ID badge. This will show:

    • their photograph
    • badge number
    • license expiry date.

    Hackney carriage drivers also have a taxi plate fitted to the rear of their vehicle and a smaller one in the front window.

    Make sure you check the taxi is the one you have

    When you book a taxi, the operator will usually give you the:

    • name of the driver
    • make, model and colour of the vehicle
    • vehicle registration number.

    Use these details to check the vehicle before you approach it and get in.

    You should also ask the driver to:

    • confirm your name and destination - don’t give the driver these details as an unlicensed taxi driver may just agree with whatever name or destination you tell them
    • show you their driver’s identification badge.

    While in the vehicle

    • Sit in the back where possible.
    • Always wear your seatbelt so you are safer if there is an accident.
    • If you want to chat, be aware of what you are telling the driver. It is best to keep the subject light by discussing things like the weather or sport.

    Taxi fares

    Reduced fares are not available for older people and/or people with disabilities for taxi travel. If you choose to travel by taxi, we recommend you ask the driver (or operator if you book) how much they think the fare will be beforehand.

    Most taxis use taxi meters to work out how much you will pay for your journey. Check the taxi meter is showing the minimum fare before you set off. You should not be charged more than is shown on the taxi meter.

    Get your payment ready when you are near to where you're going.

    Booking a taxi

    We recommend that you pre-book your taxi if possible - this is to make sure you get a licensed taxi.

    When you book, tell the operator:

    Make sure you also:

    • ask how much the fare will be
    • book your return journey where possible.

    Save the telephone number of the taxi company in your mobile phone, or write it down, and take it with you - just in case your plans change or you need to check if they are delayed.

    Travelling with a wheelchair

    In the East Riding there are around 15 licensed taxi drivers, both hackney carriage and private hire, who have vehicles designated as wheelchair accessible. This means that they are capable of carrying a ‘reference size’ wheelchair that has a:

    • length of 1,200mm or less, including extra-long footplates
    • width of 700mm or less
    • sitting height of 1,350mm or less (measured from the ground to the top of head)
    • footrest that is 150mm or more from the ground.

    You can find out more about wheelchair accessible vehicles on this page.

    Travelling with an assistance dog

    If you travel with an assistance dog, a taxi driver has a legal duty to allow them into their vehicle unless they have an exemption. They can not charge you extra for your dog.

    Types of dogs allowed in vehicles

    The following dogs may travel with you in a taxi:

    • guide dogs trained by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
    • hearing dogs trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
    • assistance dogs who help with autism, epilepsy or a physical disability. These will have been trained by either Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs or Canine Partners.

    Please make sure you carry the identification card issued for your dog, and that the dog is wearing their guide dog harness, or their jacket showing the name of the charity who trained them. This helps the taxi driver to identify them from other dogs.

    Assistance dog behaviour

    Your dog should stay on the floor of the taxi at all times, however they should be allowed to remain next to you.

    Make sure the dog is under control. If the dog causes any damage the driver may ask you to pay for it.

    Drivers exempt from carrying assistance dogs

    Some drivers may be exempt from carrying assistance dogs in their vehicle as they have a medical condition, such as severe asthma, that is aggravated when they are in contact with dogs. Any driver who has been granted an exemption will display a yellow exemption certificate in their vehicle.

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