There are over 360 separate licensing authorities in the UK, almost all at District Council or Unitary Authority level. Costs of licensing activities are covered by annual fees imposed on drivers. As the activity generated by the exemption process is expected to be insignificant and spread between so many authorities, there are likely to be no increase in licensing costs and no affect on fees. The PCO have indicated that they will not make a charge. Impact on small businesses Almost all the impact is on small businesses.
Many taxi drivers are 'owner drivers' and self employed.
However, since very few drivers are likely to be affected the costs will be low. Due to the expected small number of applications the costs on licensing authorities are likely to be de minimus. DETR is proposing to fund the cost in England and Wales of the exemption notices to be placed in vehicles. This is estimated at 400 per 5,000. The comments we received on the draft regulations and the exemption procedure have been addressed.