Part 5: Permits for automated passenger services Section 85: Consent requirement for services resembling taxis or private hire vehicles
Where an automated passenger service resembles a taxi or private hire vehicle, this section provides that the appropriate national authority may only grant a permit with the consent of each licensing authority in whose area the automated passenger service may be provided under the proposed permit. As the responsibility for granting taxi and private hire vehicle licenses currently sits with licensing authorities, obtaining the authorities’ consent prior to granting a permit may ensure consideration is given to local issues relating to limits imposed on the number of taxis and private hire vehicles, and vehicle standards set by licensing authorities. Licensing authorities may also consider other factors as part of the consent process, for example local authority traffic calming measures and ensuring services are adequately overseen by the permit holder.  These may be reflected as permit conditions in section 82(5).
	The responsibility of ensuring that licensing authority consent is obtained will rest with the appropriate national authority. Failure of a licensing authority to respond within six weeks, or refusing consent without giving reasons, is deemed consent.