Transport for LondonRedefinition of vehicles
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 defines a private hire vehicle (PHV) as:
A vehicle constructed or adapted to seat fewer than nine passengers which is made available with a driver to the public for the purpose of carrying passengers, other than a licensed taxi or public service vehicle
Licences are required for any vehicles which seat fewer than nine passengers and that come with a driver for hire
In the past, some companies who provided vehicles to dedicated groups or organisations claimed exemption. They said their vehicles were not available 'to the public'.
The Road Safety Act 2006 removed the term 'to the public' from the definition of a PHV in the 1998 Act.
This means that licences are now required for any vehicles which seat fewer than nine passengers and that come with a driver for hire.
The new definition came into force on 31 March 2008.
If you think your business needs licensing, please contact the Operator Licensing section at the Public Carriage Office.
