Licensing

Taxi licensing

The UK’s taxi drivers are some of the most regulated in the world, and the laws surrounding the licenses are complex and highly specialised.

Our Licensing barristers represent licensing authorities including some of the largest local authorities outside London in the area of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licensing. Six Pump Court represented the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association in its opposition to City of Westminster proposals to create a taxi-free zone in part of the West End.

We also act for individual and corporate licensees in all areas of taxi licensing, including licence suspension and revocation appeals to all areas of criminal enforcement. We can help with a wide range of issues that arise with an individual’s taxi license. Our barristers can assist with appeals against a refusal to grant a license, or against the suspension or removal of existing licenses.

Recent examples of our work include:-

  • R (on the application of London Taxi Drivers Association) v London Borough of Camden dealt with the distinctions between black cabs and mini cabs and their treatment in a major redevelopment in the Tottenham Court Road area.
  • Advising Hackney Carriage drivers on challenging the grant of a PHV operator’s licence to a company located at a rail station near their rank.
  • Advising Hackney Carriage drivers on a challenge to the authorities decision to include certain conditions on their drivers’ licences.
  • Representing a PHV driver in his appeal against a local authority decision to revoke his licence as a result of disclosure of a serious criminal allegation.
  • Representing a local authority defending an appeal to the crown court by a Hackney carriage driver whose licence had been revoked.