Plan Your Travel: Cheltenham Festival Private Hire Advice

Cheltenham racegoers urged to book transport in advance for safety and convenience

With thousands of visitors expected to attend the Cheltenham Festival from March 11 to March 14, local authorities are urging racegoers to pre-book private hire vehicles to ensure safe and hassle-free transportation. Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council have emphasized the importance of securing licensed transport ahead of time, particularly for those not relying on public transport.

Private hire drivers will be required to operate strictly within legal boundaries, and enforcement officers will be monitoring compliance throughout the festival. The councils have reminded drivers that they must only accept pre-arranged bookings and that any driver caught illegally picking up passengers without a prior booking could face penalties, including a £1,000 fine and potential licence revocation. Licensing teams will conduct test purchasing operations to identify any breaches of these regulations.

Licensed private hire drivers undergo thorough checks to verify their fitness to transport passengers, and their vehicles are subject to regular MOT and insurance inspections. Authorities have advised racegoers to ensure that their chosen transport is properly licensed by checking vehicle licence plates and driver badges. Passengers who encounter any concerns regarding a taxi or private hire vehicle are encouraged to note the licence plate number, the council that issued the licence, and report the issue to the licensing team.

Those who have not pre-booked transport have been advised to use designated taxi ranks or flag down only licensed Cheltenham Borough Council hackney carriages. Official taxis can be identified by a white top light displaying the word “TAXI.” By law, only vehicles licensed by Cheltenham Borough Council are permitted to pick up passengers from taxi ranks or accept street hails within the town.

Uber services are available in Cheltenham; however, all Uber journeys must be pre-booked through the app. Passengers should verify that the vehicle has a licence plate and that the driver has a valid badge displaying their licence number. Authorities have warned that Uber drivers are prohibited from accepting street hails, and both passengers and drivers must adhere to the platform’s booking system to avoid legal consequences. Any complaints about an Uber driver can be directed to the licensing authority that issued their licence. Passengers are encouraged to take note of the vehicle registration number and plate number and, if possible, obtain a photograph to support their complaint.

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, stressed the importance of pre-planning travel arrangements to ensure safety and compliance during the festival:

"We are gearing up to host a significant number of visitors for the Cheltenham racing festival, and it’s important for everyone to plan their travel ahead of time. Safety is our top priority, and we want racegoers to be aware of where taxi ranks are located. Private hire vehicles, unlike Cheltenham’s licensed hackney carriages, cannot be flagged down on the street or wait at one of our taxi ranks, and must be booked in advance."

The council has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing taxi and private hire regulations, warning drivers against engaging in unlawful activity. Enforcement officers will conduct spot checks to identify unlicensed drivers or those attempting to take unregistered fares. Authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal taxi operations, with penalties in place for those found violating regulations.

Michelle Bignell, licensing and public protection manager at Cheltenham Borough Council, emphasized the risks of using unlicensed vehicles:

"Don't get lured by unlicensed private hire drivers. Book your ride in advance. Failing to do so puts you at risk of travelling in an uninsured vehicle, and the driver would be acting unlawfully. We want everyone to arrive home safely, starting with securing a licensed vehicle."

The festival is expected to see a surge in demand for transport services, prompting heightened monitoring efforts by licensing officers. Gloucestershire Constabulary, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Tewkesbury Borough Council, and other local authorities will collaborate to ensure compliance and passenger safety.

Cllr Murray Stewart, Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for environmental services, underscored the importance of forward planning:

"We are pleased to work with Cheltenham Borough Council again to ensure the safety of everyone attending the Cheltenham Festival. Pre-booking private hire vehicles is essential not only for convenience but also for safety. Racegoers are encouraged to plan ahead and book their transport to and from the event to avoid unnecessary risks. Let's ensure everyone enjoys the festival responsibly and returns home safely."