§ Dame Angela RumboldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps will be taken under the new proposed regulations to ensure that ex-licensed black cabs are not used for other taxi purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisAt present, the law requires that when a vehicle licensed as a taxi in London is sold, or the licence has expired without plans for renewal, the vehicle licence plate must be returned to the licensing authority. Once this has been done the taxi becomes a private vehicle and although it can be used as a minicab, it is an offence to use it to ply for hire. In addition, the display of any sign or notice on it which includes the words "taxi", "cab" or "hire" is prohibited.
Outside London, a London-type taxi may be used as a hackney carriage if it is licensed by the local district council, but it may not be used as a private hire vehicle at all because it might be mistaken for a taxi. If unlicensed it may be used as a private car only.
§ Dame Angela RumboldTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is proposing to take to enforce prosecution of unlicensed minicabs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisMinicabs in London are not licensed, and their use for pre-booked journeys is perfectly legal. It is illegal for them to accept hirings in the street. The police already have powers to take action in such cases.
I am, however, reviewing the regulation of taxis, minicabs and private hire vehicles in England, including London, and I hope to publish a Green Paper on this subject shortly.