A hackney or hackney carriage (also called a cab, black cab, hack or London taxi) is a carriage or car for hire.[1] A hackney of a more expensive or high class was called a remise.[2] A symbol of London and Britain, the black taxi is a common sight on the streets of London.[3] The hackney carriages carry a roof sign TAXI that can be illuminated to indicate their availability for passengers.[4]
In the UK, the name hackney carriage today refers to a taxicab licensed by the Public Carriage Office, local authority (non-metropolitan district councils, unitary authorities) or the Department of the Environment depending on region of the country.[5] Some hackney carriages have also been exported for use in other countries.
Black cabs are synonymous with Britain; as strong a symbol of the London traffic-scape as red double-decker buses.