Barry Liffen, chairman of the Wellingborough Hackney Carriage Association, said the group welcomed the changes.

BBC: Northampton

Taxi drivers, however, have expressed concern that granting the vehicles Hackney carriage licences - meaning they can use taxi ranks - would affect their business.

BBC: Cambridge tricycle plan angers taxi drivers

She said: "It was late and we were cold and wanted to get home, but when approached the lead hackney carriage for a lift the driver just said: "Four people but no dog.

BBC: Janice Powers and Wayne