§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current regulations concerning the insurance and safety regulations for minicabs and their drivers; if he is satisfied that they provide sufficient protection for the public; and if he will require minicabs to carry some external means of identification.
§ Dr. SummerskillPrivate hire cars and their drivers are subject to the insurance and safety requirements of the Road Traffic Act 1972 relating to motor vehicles generally. Some local Acts contain provisions specifically requiring hire cars to be in a safe condition and to meet certain insurance requirements. A special insurance policy is often necessary for hire cars, since the normal private car policy does not usually cover the use of a vehicle for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward. We understand that these insurance arrangements are normally satisfactory. The possibility of requiring private hire cars to carry some external means of identification is being considered in the context of the general review of taxi and private hire car legislation now being undertaken.