Hackney Carriage Quantity Control

Overview

Oxford City Council is reviewing its Hackney Carriage Vehicles (Taxis / Black Cabs) quantity control policy. This is a statutory requirement.

There are currently 107 licenses for Hackney Carriage Vehicles (Taxis / Black Cabs) in Oxford. 

The Council seeks the views of the public, as to availability of taxis and choice when travelling within the district. 

Definitions:

Hackney Carriage Vehicle (HCV): (Taxi/Black Cab) can be flagged in the street or be available for hire on a taxi rank without a booking. These are subject to the policy restricting numbers (107).

Private Hire Vehicle (mini cabs): requires a pre-arranged booking (usually done via phone or app). The number of these is not restricted.

Why your views matter

Your view will assist the Council in answering the following three questions:

1. What benefits or disadvantages arise for the travelling public as a result of the continuation of Hackney Carriage Vehicle quantity controls? and;

2. What benefits or disadvantages would result for the travelling public if the Hackney Carriage Vehicle quantity controls were removed? and;

3. Is there evidence that removal of the Hackney Carriage Vehicle quantity controls would result in a deterioration in the amount or quality of taxi service provision?

What happens next

Thank you for your views, the results are being processed and your response will be collated and presented in a report to the General Purposes Licensing Committee for consideration.