Portsmouth City Council
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What are the legal requirements for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence?
There are many different laws affecting proprietors and vehicles but the main Acts of Parliament covering the licensing of Hackney Carriage Vehicles are Part II, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Transport Act 1985.These Acts give us wide powers to impose conditions on the grant or renewal of vehicle licences and allow us to make policy guidelines determining the design or appearance of the vehicle to make it identifiable as a taxi. Equally we may limit the number of vehicle licences in the City if satisfied "that there is no significant demand for the services of Hackney Carriages which is unmet".
The Council has commissioned surveys by independent Transport Consultants in relation to the demand (or otherwise) for the services of Hackney Carriage Vehicles in the City. The last survey in 2006 concluded that there was no unmet demand for the services of taxis.
- 150 saloon/estate/hatchback style vehicles and 84 London style cabs.
Although we will not therefore grant any new vehicle licences, before renewing your existing licence we must be satisfied that:-
- Your car is of suitable design and appearance and have such distinguishing marks as to identify it as a taxi (see technical specifications below).
- Your car is mechanically suitable.
- Your car is insured for standing and plying for hire (and private hire if applicable).
- Your car is constructed or adapted to seat no more than 8 passengers.
- You are responsible for the keeping and runnning of the vehicle either solely or in partnership with other persons.
- Your licence, if renewed, will be for one vehicle at any one time.
- You have been honest in supplying information to us and mush not, under any circumstances, make a false statement at any time to obtain your vehicle licence. This is a serious offence.
