Why Rent a Taximeter in London?

Outside London, it is normal practise for taxi drivers and operators to own their taximeters along with other vehicle "accessories". So why are things different in London?

The answer can be found in the process adopted by the Public Carriage Office (the authority responsible for the supervision of Taxi and Private Hire operators in London).

In London, all taximeters are tested annually by British Standards Product Services in a laboratory using special test equipment. This means that the meters are removed from the vehicles and sent to British Standards (in Hemel Hempstead) every year. The tested meters are sealed and returned to their owners.

This existence of process means that it is impractical for an individual to own his or her own taximeter, since it would be away for up to a week being tested and sealed. By renting a taximeter, the taxi operator passes the whole task on to Twenty Twenty Services. We are responsible for removing the meter each year and providing a ready-sealed unit.

We are also able to manage the process of changing tariffs in meters every year. This involves programming the new tariff, arranging tests at BSI, and providing facilities to program the meters themselves.

Why can I buy a Receipt Printer?

Since the Receipt Printer is not renoved from the cab each year for testing, it can remain in the vehicle for several years. It does not need to be sent away like the meter.

So it makes sense for you to own it yourself, which will work out cheaper than renting it after two or three years.

However, for those who prefer to rent their Receipt Printer, Twenty Twenty Services also offers this option (See our Rates and Service page).