Taxi and private hire vehicles

This topic explains the application, purpose, content and structure of the licensing of hackney cabs and private hire vehicles as it applies to England and Wales.

Licensing authorities

Licensing is primarily the responsibility of local authorities. In England and Wales, these may be district councils, metropolitan district councils or unitary authorities. In Wales, licensing responsibility lies with county councils or county district councils.

In London, the legislation provides that the licensing authority is Transport for London (‘TfL’—formerly the Secretary of State and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police) and the licensing functions are devolved to London Taxi and Private Hire, part of TfL.

The Mayor has responsibility for creating the strategic plan for transport for London, including taxis and private hire vehicles.

Local authorities determine the extent to which powers are delegated. Many have a licensing committee and sub-committees, with general responsibility for all licensing functions, while others delegate decisions to officers. Councils can lay down licensing policies. They can also determine the application procedure and the circumstances in which a licence may or may not be granted.

Although there is still no statutory requirement

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