10Power to designate rest ranks
(1)TfL may by London cab order designate any standing (or part of a standing) for hackney carriages appointed under section 4 of the London Hackney Carriages Act 1850 (c. 7) to be a rest rank—
(a)at all times; or
(b)for such times of the day, days or other periods as may be specified in the order.
(2)TfL may by London cab order prescribe the maximum length of time during which a hackney carriage may stand at a rest rank; and different maximum lengths of time may be prescribed—
(a)for different rest ranks; or
(b)for different times of the day, days or other periods.
(3)Where TfL designates a rest rank, TfL shall cause a sign to be displayed at the rank clearly indicating that the rank (or the relevant part of it) is a rest rank.
(4)Notwithstanding section 35 of the London Hackney Carriage Act 1831 (c. 22) and section 17 of the London Hackney Carriage Act 1853 (c. 33), the driver of a hackney carriage which is standing at a rest rank shall not be deemed to be plying for hire and, accordingly, may not be compelled to drive his vehicle to any place by any person wishing to hire it.
(5)Where it appears to TfL to be desirable or expedient TfL may suspend the operation of a designation under this section for such period or periods as TfL thinks fit.
(6)In this section “London cab order” means an order made under section 9 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 (c. 115).