Cookie Policy
How we use cookies, session storage, and local device technologies to provide secure, transparent mobility services.
Last updated: 8 August 2026
1. What are cookies and local technologies?
Cookies are small data files placed on your computer, smartphone, or tablet when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function properly, maintain secure user sessions, remember user interface preferences, and generate aggregated analytics.
In addition to HTTP cookies, we may use related browser technologies such as Local Storage and Session Storage to preserve application state (for example, keeping you signed in across page transitions in our web portal).
2. How MapCars uses cookies
We group the cookies and storage technologies used across our web platform into the following four clear categories:
| Category | Purpose & Typical Examples | Essential? |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Essential for website operation, user authentication, CSRF security tokens, session state, and API rate-limiting. Without these, you cannot sign in or book a ride. | Yes (Cannot be disabled) |
| Functional & Preferences | Remembers your display preferences (e.g. region choice, map viewport coordinates, saved pickup suggestions, or language selection). | Optional (Controlled in settings) |
| Performance & Diagnostics | Helps us monitor server response times, map tile rendering latency, and page error rates so we can keep our dispatch systems fast and reliable across the South Coast. | Optional (Aggregated / Anonymised) |
| Security & Fraud Prevention | Detects suspicious automated traffic, rapid bot requests, and unauthorised session takeovers to protect rider and driver accounts. | Yes (Legitimate Security Interest) |
3. Specific cookies and storage items
| Name / Key | Type | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
mapcars_session | HTTP Cookie (Secure) | Session | Maintains your authenticated session state across portal pages. |
__Host-csrf_token | HTTP Cookie (SameSite) | Session | Cross-Site Request Forgery security protection for web forms. |
mc_pref_region | Local Storage | Persistent (1 Year) | Stores your selected South Coast zone (e.g., Chichester, Brighton, Southampton). |
mc_cookie_consent | Local Storage | Persistent (1 Year) | Records your cookie banner preferences and opt-in choices. |
4. Third-party cookies and services
When using our online mapping features or booking portals, third-party infrastructure providers may set cookies or inspect device characteristics to deliver their services:
- Map Providers & Geocoding: Map tiles and routing telemetry to render South Coast road maps accurately.
- Payment Processing (Stripe): When card transactions occur, Stripe uses fraud prevention and device telemetry cookies to detect compromised cards and unauthorized activity.
5. How you can control and delete cookies
You have the right to accept or decline non-essential cookies. You can manage your choices at any time:
- Browser Controls: Most web browsers allow you to view, manage, delete, and block cookies through their settings menu. For guidance:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
- Private / Incognito Mode: You can browse in private mode to ensure cookies and local storage are cleared when your window is closed.
Please note: Disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from signing in to your account, viewing live trip tracking, or managing driver documents online.
6. Mobile applications (iOS and Android)
The MapCars Rider and MapCars Driver mobile apps do not use traditional browser HTTP cookies. Instead, they utilize operating system secure storage (such as Apple Keychain and Android Keystore) to store encrypted authentication tokens and device push notification identifiers. For details on mobile device data, please review our Privacy Policy.
7. Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our technology, legal requirements, or operational practices. The revised version will always be published here with an updated effective date.
8. Contact & Data Protection Officer
If you have questions about our use of cookies or wish to exercise your privacy rights under UK GDPR, please contact our team:
MAP CARS CHI LTD (Company No. 15837715)
Operational Headquarters: Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Email: info@mapcars.uk
Helpline: 01243 252255
WhatsApp Coordinator: +44 7389 077004