This section applies if—
an application for a licence in respect of a vehicle is made under section 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847,
it is possible for a disabled person—
to get into and out of the vehicle in safety,
to travel in the vehicle in safety and reasonable comfort, and
to do the things mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) while in a wheelchair of a size prescribed by the Secretary of State, and
the proportion of taxis licensed in respect of the area to which the licence would (if granted) apply that conform to the requirement in paragraph (b) is less than the proportion that is prescribed by the Secretary of State.
Section 16 of the Transport Act 1985 (which modifies the provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 about hackney carriages to allow a licence to ply for hire to be refused in order to limit the number of licensed carriages) does not apply in relation to the vehicle; and those provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 are to have effect subject to this section.
In section 16 of the Transport Act 1985, after "shall" insert ." (subject to section 161 of the Equality Act 2010) "