HACKNEY-COACHES, those exposed to hire in the streets of London, and some other great cities, at rates fixed by authority. See COACH.—These first began to ply in the streets of London, or rather waited at inns, in the year 1625, and were only 20 in number; but in 1635 they were so much increased, that King Charles issued out an order of council for restraining them. In 1637, he allowed 50 hackney-coachmen, each of whom might keep 12 horses. In 1652, their number was limited to 200; and in 1654, it was extended to 300. In 1661, 400 were licensed, at 51. annually for each. In 1694, 700 were allowed, and taxed by the 5 and 6 of W. and M. at 41. per annum each. By 9 Anne cap. 23. 800 coaches were allowed in London and Westminster; but by 8 Geo. III. cap. 24. the number is increased to 1000, which are to be licensed by commissioners, and to pay a duty of 5s per week to the king. On Sundays there were formerly only 175 hackney-coaches to ply, which were to be appointed by commissioners; but their number is now unlimited.
The fare of hackney-coachmen in London, or within ten miles of the city, is 12 shillings and sixpence per Sub were day, allowing 12 hours per day. By the hour it is the fare, 18. 6d. for the first, and 18. for every hour after; and See some none are obliged to pay above 18. for any distance years ago. not exceeding a mile and a half; or above 18. 6d. for any distance not exceeding two miles. Where hackney-coachmen refuse to go at, or exact more than, their limited hire, they are subject to a forfeit not under
Hadding- der 10s. or exceeding 3l. and which the commission-
ton. ers have power to determine. Every hackney-coach
must be provided with check strings, and every coach-
man plying without them incurs a penalty of 5s.—
Drivers of hackney-coaches are to give way to persons
of quality and gentlemen's coaches, under the penalty
of 5l.
The duty arising from licences to hackney-coaches
and chairs in London, forms a branch of the king's
extraordinary and perpetual revenue. This revenue
is governed by commissioners of its own, and is in
truth a benefit to the subject; as the expense of it
is felt by no individual, and its necessary regulations
have established a competent jurisdiction, whereby a
very refractory race of men may be kept in tolerable
order.