A Practical Guide to Hackney Carriage Licensing in London

As the law differs according to whether one is in London and whether one is dealing with hackney carriages or private hire vehicles, this book focuses solely on hackney carriage licensing in London. It is intended to serve as a practical reference guide for the busy licensing practitioner, regulator in London, or anyone having an interest in the London taxi trade itself.

Organised over 7 chapters it aims to provide practical guidance on the relevant law and policy and a reference of where to find further detail if required. The law is often complex and contained in many different statutes as well as in secondary legislation. The aim of the book is to assist in the understanding of that law whilst providing a reference to the source of it.

Chapters include; an introduction to hackney carriage licensing; hackney carriage vehicle licencing; a chapter devoted to the important topic of plying for hire; hackney carriage drivers’ licensing; criminal offences; licensing authority decision making; and appeals of licensing decisions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stuart is a barrister at 6 Pump Court and is ranked as a ‘leading junior’ in Licensing by The Legal 500 for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and in Chambers and Partners for 2018. He is a member of the Institute of Licensing (IOL) and is holder of the Professional Licensing Practitioners Qualification (PLPQ).

Stuart is well known as a licensing specialist and has real depth and breadth of experience in all licensing matters. He often acts for the United Cabbies’ Group and other taxi associations in respect of taxi and PHV licensing law and practice. He recently represented the UCG (On behalf of the United Taxi Action Group) led by Robert Griffiths Q.C. in a challenge to the decision by the Chief Magistrate in June 2018 to grant Uber a 15 month licence. He regularly acts for other trade associations, both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, inside and outside of London.

He appears both at licensing sub-committee review hearings in a range of licensing cases, appeals to the magistrates’ and crown courts and also at appeals and by way of case stated and in judicial review proceedings and is frequently asked to advise on all licensing matters, including local government licensing policy and relevant legislation. He represents companies, trade associations, individuals, local licensing authorities and other responsible authorities. He is a regular lecturer on all licensing matters.

Alongside his licensing practice, Stuart also specialises in connected regulatory law, such as food safety, health and safety, environmental, planning and administrative law, particularly in the field of local government.