In 2003 The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) made it a legal requirement for councils that have a fixed limit on the amount of Hackney Carriage taxis in their area to survey whether local needs were being met.

The Taxi trade in Southampton is currently waiting for the findings of the Halcrow Unmet Demand Survey to see if there is a need for any more taxis in the city.

Sadly, due to the worst recession since the 1930's, there is a real lack of work for taxi drivers, and according to the March Issue of the one of the taxi related magazines, many drivers are working 12-14 hours days for less than the minumum wage. This is completely at odds with public perception that drivers earn a fortune. 

Currently we have approximately 270 licensed white taxis in Southampton, which the SHA believe is enough. 

The Halcrow Survey should have found that we have very limited taxi spaces, but we will not know until the report is published, hopefully in a couple of months time. Everything is crossed for a good outcome.

The SHA was set up in 2001 to help to promote Southampton Hackney Taxi drivers in the city.

We are interested in promoting the Hackney Carriage trade and in growing our membership.  

All of our members are self employed drivers of white taxis, who are licensed and regulated by Southampton City Council.

We regularly consult with the Council and other organisations for the benefit of the group.

If you are a Hackney Carriage Taxi driver based in the city, and would like to find out more about joining us, click here  or get in touch or simply call us on 02380 659011 - one of our members will be pleased to have a chat.

We look forward to hearing from you.

In the spring the Law Commission are to consult upon changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire laws.

On behalf of our members, The Southampton Hackney Association has written to Norman Baker, the Minister of Transport  asking that our association be included in any correspondence relating to the taxi trade.

We are very pleased to have received a letter of assurance that the SHA will be included in all correspondence.

This is good news, since as a local association that represents a proportion of taxi proprietors and drivers in the city of Southampton, we do feel we need to be actively involved in any changes in legislation.

Patons Taxiworld have supplied a wide range of vehicles from saloons, MPV's and Minibuses to the taxi trade for 50 years.  

Right now they are able to offer exceptional terms on Hyundai vehicles incuding:

Hyundai 130 1.6CRDI 115ps Comfort Estate

Hyundai 140 1.7CRDI 115ps Active Tourer

Hyundai 1800 2.5CRDI 8 seater, manual with luggage capacity of 851 litres. Also available in Automatic with or without Leather.

Hyundai was voted the best car manufacturer by 'Which' magazine for 2011, beating rivals such as BMW, Mazda, Skoda and Toyota, achieving a reliability rating of 82% and a satisfaction rating of 84%. Hyundai stood out for its warranty and value.

If you would like to discuss your new taxi with Patons, give George Hamilton a call on 07768 051489 or 0141 553 2050

Finance can easily be arranged.

Auto Trade Tyres in Northam offer great service for Taxi Drivers in Southampton, why not given them a call on 02380 335470, pop by or visit their website

A popular barber shop in Southampton is Blades of Terminus Terrace. Want to look your best?  Why not pop in, or give them a call today? 02380 234656

Calling all Southampton Hackney Taxi drivers...Did you know that Pineapple could help you source your next vehicle? 

Take a look at the Pineapple website where you will find a range of new and used saloon and estate cars, mpv's and even mini buses.

After last night's meeting in the Leisure World complex - the Southampton Hackney Association would encourage all Southampton white taxi's to carry on as normal at this venue.

The Southampton taxi trade in general is highly regarded by Oceana Management and wishes to continue with this good relationship.

Another meeting will take place in a month's time although one could be organised earlier if required.

See your SHA representatives for further information.

The Southampton Hackney Association's  representatives are meeting with management of Oceana to discuss the problem of a private hire company's intention of operating from the Oceana Nightclub complex.

We will endeavour to inform members of the outcome of the meeting.

It is important at this stage for things to carry on as normal - to take customers to Leisure World and to pick them up.

Watch this space !

A temporary taxi rank has been established for the duration of the PSP Southampton Boat Show between 16^th and 25^th September.

The rank is on the eastern side of Western Esplanade to the rear of the Quays, immediately to the south of the gate, and will accommodate nine vehicles. The rank is signed from within the Boat Show site.

Please note that the Boat Show management has chosen not to provide a rank in Herbert Walker Avenue this year and that any licensed vehicle waiting in other areas will not be tolerated, particularly in the area in front of the Kuti’s Royal Thai Pier restaurant between Mayflower Park and Town Quay and on Harbour Parade adjacent to the Boat Show Main entrance.