Hackney carriage unmet demand surveys are used to determine whether there is a need for additional licensed taxis (hackney carriages) in a particular area. These surveys are normally commissioned by the local authority, responsible for taxi licensing in the area to be surveyed.
The purpose of the survey is to collect data on the demand for taxi services at taxi ranks or through hailing or flagging down a taxi.
The number of passengers who have to wait at a taxi rank or who cannot hire taxis by flagging down are quantified, along with the time that intending passengers have to wait to hire a taxi.
A hackney carriage unmet demand survey is generally required where a licensing authority limits the number of hackney carriage licences which may be issued. the results of a hackney carriage unmet demand survey may be used to justify maintaining a limit or to determine if any addtional licences are required to meet demand. An unmet demand survey may also be commissioned, if a licensing authority are considering introducing a limit to the number of hackney carriage licences which may be issued.
Overall, hackney carriage unmet demand surveys are an important tool for regulating taxi services and ensuring that they are meeting the needs of the community. By collecting accurate data on demand and accessibility, local authorities can make informed decisions about licensing and regulation, which can ultimately benefit both taxi drivers and the public.