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.
