When you step into a taxi, you are placing your safety in the hands of a stranger. Whether you’re heading home after a late-night event or sending a family member to the airport, you deserve peace of mind. In 2026, with new national standards and stricter local licensing in place across Kent, it’s more important than ever to know what a “safe” ride looks like.
At Kent Taxis, safety isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of our business. Here is our checklist of what you should look for to ensure your journey is professional, legal, and secure.
1. The Power of the Badge: Licensed Drivers
Every professional driver in Kent must be licensed by their local district council (such as Ashford, Canterbury, or Sevenoaks).
- The ID Badge: A driver must always wear or clearly display their photographic ID badge. This badge proves they have passed an Enhanced DBS check, a medical fitness test, and a “Knowledge” exam.
- Fit and Proper: In 2026, the “Fit and Proper” person test is more rigorous than ever. If a driver cannot produce their badge, do not start the journey.
2. Vehicle Identification: Plates and Signs
A licensed vehicle is a safe vehicle. It undergoes “Compliance Testing”—an MOT that is significantly stricter than the one for a standard private car.
- The Licence Plate: Look at the rear of the vehicle. A licensed taxi or private hire vehicle will have a semi-permanent plate issued by the council. This plate shows the vehicle’s unique licence number and the number of passengers it is insured to carry.
- Door Stickers: Most private hire vehicles in Kent are required to display “Pre-booked Only” stickers on their doors.
3. The Danger of “Out-of-Area” Working
A major safety concern in 2026 is the rise of “out-of-area” drivers—people licensed in a distant city but working in Kent.
- Why it matters: These drivers often don’t know the local roads, may not be subject to Kent’s high safety standards, and are harder to track if something goes wrong.
- The Kent Taxis Promise: We are a local operator. Our drivers live and work in the community, meaning they know the safest routes and are fully accountable to local regulations.
4. Pre-Booking: Your Digital Paper Trail
Safety is built into the booking process. When you book via the Kent Taxis WhatsApp or phone line, a digital record is created instantly.
- Traceability: We know which driver is with you, which car they are driving, and exactly where you are.
- Confirmation: You receive the vehicle details before it arrives, so you never accidentally step into the wrong car.
- Never “Flag Down” a Private Hire: Remember, a private hire vehicle (one that doesn’t have a “Taxi” sign on the roof) cannot legally pick you up off the street. If you haven’t pre-booked it, you aren’t insured.
5. Modern Safety Tech: GPS and Monitoring
Technology has made taxis safer than ever.
- Real-Time Tracking: Our office monitors every journey via GPS. If a vehicle takes an unexpected route or stops for too long, we can see it immediately.
- Emergency Support: Our drivers have a direct line to our 24/7 dispatch center, ensuring that if any issues arise, help is only a radio call away.
6. Hygiene and Maintenance
A professional service is a clean service. In the post-2025 travel landscape, passengers expect high standards of cleanliness. A well-maintained, clean interior is a sign that the driver takes their vehicle’s mechanical safety just as seriously.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At Kent Taxis, we go beyond the minimum legal requirements. We hold our drivers to a “Gold Standard” of service because we know that a reputation for safety is earned one trip at a time.
Travel with confidence. Travel with Kent Taxis.
- Phone: 01233367347
- WhatsApp: Message us here
- Email: info@kenttaxis.co.uk
- Website: www.kenttaxis.co.uk