S.L. 499.59 Art. 22Number of taxis which may be licensed.

(1) The granting of new taxi licences under regulation 21

shall be subject to the following number of taxis registered and licensed with the Authority not being exceeded:

(a) until the 31st December, 2010, the number of taxis registered to be used on the island of Malta shall not exceed 220; while the number of taxis registered to be used on the island of Gozo shall not exceed 50;

(b) throughout 2011, the number of taxis registered to be used on the island of Malta shall not exceed 240; while the number of taxis registered to be used on the island of Gozo shall not exceed 50;

(c) between 2012 and 2021, the number of taxis registered to be used on the island of Malta shall not exceed 250; while the number of taxis registered to be used on the island of Gozo shall not exceed 50: Provided that the said numbers of taxis -

(i) shall be inclusive of wheelchair accessible taxis; and

(ii) shall not include electric mini cabs the market of which is completely liberalised.

(2) As from the 1st January, 2022, the maximum number under sub-regulation (1)(c) shall no longer apply; provided that the Authority shall seek an agreement with the representatives of licence holders before implementing any changes in the number of taxi licences after the 1st January, 2022.

(3) Notwithstanding a vehicle’s compliance with the provisions of these regulations, the Authority shall not issue a taxi licence, which is not a replacement licence, where the maximum number of taxis has been reached.

(4) The Authority shall, for the purpose of granting new licences during the years 2010 to 2021, as well as for the granting any taxi licence which shall have been withdrawn or surrendered during the said period, issue a public call for competitive tendering.