Private Hire Vehicles (Hackney Carriage Plates) Mr. Raymond Fletcher asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that some private hire vehicles now have hackney carriage plates affixed on their backs; and if he will institute proceedings against those responsible for this violation of the London Cab Act, 1968. Mr. Carlisle The enforcement of the London Cab Act, 1968, is a matter for the police. Any mechanically-propelled vehicle which is chargeable with duty as a hackney carriage—and this includes vehicles let for hire by a person whose trade it is to do so—is, however, required by Section 14 of the Vehicles (Excise) Act, 1962, to exhibit a distinctive sign in a prescribed form indicating that it is a hackney carriage and the number of persons it can seat.