Any minicab or private hire car firm operating without a licence in London will be liable for prosecution from Monday.

The Public Carriage Office (PCO), part of Transport for London (TfL), which regulates the trade, has processed more than 2,000 applications for licences since operators were notified of the changes earlier this year.

Firms which have not obtained a licence or temporary permit by Monday will be operating illegally.

Peter Hendy, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: "We have had an excellent response from operators in London.

"Monday's deadline for operator licences means we can regulate this section of the industry.

"Although most operators offer a good service, this move will improve safety for customers by removing unlicensed rogue minicab operators from London's streets."

The scheme is the first part of a project by the PCO to bring minicabs under closer scrutiny.

In 2002 driver licensing is due to start, which will be followed by vehicle licensing.