Licensed London Taxis or "Black Cabs" are the oldest regulated transport system in the world.
In 1636 Charles 1st issued a proclamation to enable 50 Hackney Carriages to ply for hire in London.After the civil war, in 1654 Oliver Cromwell set up the "Fellowship of Master Hackney Carriages"by act of parliament and taxi driving became a profession. 200 Hackneys were now allowed.The word Hackney is believed to be derived from the French word "Haquinee" which translated as horse for hire.
Modern day cabs are one of the iconic representaions of life in London and remain the only type of car for hire that is legally allowed to park on a rank and be hired or ply for hire which means to travel with the for hire light on and be flagged down or hailed by passengers on the street.
The London Taxi driver has to pass a rigorous training course known as The Knowledge of London before being licenced and becoming a professional Taxi driver.