Huge number of private hire vehicles (London)

[CoolHands]

Since they've made sticking them badges in the rear windows of private hire vehicles obligatory a couple of years ago, has anyone else noticed the huge number of these vehicles there around? (in London). I mean, I see loads every day, and I don't even drive that much. I'm really amazed at the quantity (& the shoddyness of some of the vehicles ) Just had a quick google, TFL reckon there are around 60,000, and 22,000 black cabs. Surprised there's enough customers.

these are the badges (often called 'green badge' drivers):

[CoolC]

Aren't private hire cabs exempt from congestion charge?

I seem to remember a post on here a while ago about the number of cars registered as private hire, but are actually just private cars dodging the charge.

[Shaw Tarse]

I think there is (or was) a loophole which is why there were "unusual" cars registered as private hire.

[chilistrucker]

i have noticed alot more recently, in between the black cabs, and addison lee mobiles.
doing alot of deliveries into smithfield lately and do see some unusual private hire vehicles.

[Needa308GT4]

all of them driven by c**ts.

[JoPo1]

Wondered why I seen a range rover with a badge.... Sneaky.

[Needa308GT4]

funniet one I've seen with a badge was a green RR Phantom (new one), though it does belong to The Lanesborough Hotel I believe. Still has to be badged though