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I have enquired to my local council about obtaining a Hackney Carriage License and they tell me the vehicle has to be black, have side disabled access and no seat next to the driver. also the vehicle has to be less than a year old when registered
To me this sounds like a 'London' type vehicle yet around my way you get lots of hatchbacks saloons and estates trading at the taxi ranks as well as the traditional london type taxi's.
What cars would be suitable and meet the criteria of a hackney carriage.

Thanks

The licensing authority should have a list of vehicles they allow to for use as a Hackney . Its no good just buying any taxi and hoping it meets the requirements. If they allow alternative vehicles to the "london type" hackney, then you need to check if the licensing dept ask for the vehicle to be M1 type approved. This narrows the choice considerably. Do some research before commiting yourself financially.