Taxi Policy - Appendix H - Hackney carriage vehicle specification

General

Vehicles must conform to M1 vehicle standard. Converted vehicles must have either European Whole Vehicle Type Approval/Individual Type Approval (IVA) or European Low Volume Type Approval.

Vehicles cannot be retrofitted with engines of a poorer emission standard than of the vehicle at manufacture.

No new vehicle licence will be granted to any vehicle which has been subject to any category of vehicle write off.

No renewal licence will be granted to any vehicle which has been subject to any category of vehicle write off.

No vehicle currently licensed as hackney carriage vehicle with another Authority will be licensed by Preston City Council.

The vehicle must be capable of passing the hackney carriage vehicle compliance test.

Seats

Vehicles shall have a passenger seating capacity of not less than 4 persons and not more than 8 persons.

Each seat shall be fitted with fully operational seat belts, compliant with British Standards, except where the law specifically provides an exemption.

Each seat shall not be less than 406mm in width.

Where bench seats are provided, then the seat shall provide a minimum of 406mm seating space for each passenger i.e., a rear bench seat shall not be less than 1218 mm to accommodate 3 passengers.

Access to all passenger seats must be unimpeded i.e., clear access and egress to all passenger seats must be provided without the need to tip forward, fold or remove seats.

Windows

The minimum light transmission for glass in front of, and to the side of, the driver is 70%. No restrictions to rear passenger side windows or rear windscreen.

Opening windows should be provided in the rear of the vehicle and must be capable of being opened by passengers. Where this is not possible the vehicle should have an adequate air conditioning system which can be operated by passengers seated in the rear of the vehicle.

Doors

All doors must be fitted with reflectors/reflective strips or lights which are clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle when the door is open.

All doors should be capable of being opened from the inside and outside and the interior door handle must be clearly visible and accessible to passengers.

Interior

The upholstery, carpets, seats, trims, and other interior fittings should be free from damage (including stains and burns) and significant wear.

The floor of the passenger compartment shall be covered with non-slip material, which can easily be cleaned.

The vehicle will have space for a reasonable amount of luggage associated with the maximum passenger numbers.

All vehicles should have adequate leg and foot room, shoulder width, and head height to accommodate a passenger of 6 ft. height and average build.

All vehicles shall have separate driver and passenger compartments.

Vehicle Body

All bodywork to be free from dents and damage.

Panels must be attached and aligned to the chassis/body shell correctly with all joints and welds as per the manufacturer's specifications. The panels must be free from distortion and dents.

Wheels, Tyres and Steering

The vehicle must be right-hand drive.

Wheels should be correctly aligned, joints, and bearings free from abnormal wear. All mounting points should be in a sound condition with no undue wear in any associated bushes.

The vehicle must have a minimum of four road wheels.

Vehicles must either carry the manufacturer's system of tyre repairs or spare wheel as compliant with the Construction and Use regulations 1986, as amended.

Tyre fitments should comply, in all respects, with the requirements of any Act or Regulation pertaining to Motor Vehicle Regulations on tyre safety in force.

The depth of tyre tread must not be less than 1.66mm.

Wheelchair Carrying Facilities

The vehicle shall have a designated space to accommodate at least one wheelchair user to be carried in a standard wheelchair.

The vehicle must provide access for a wheelchair either through the nearside rear door, or a door at the rear of the vehicle. Any door used for wheelchair access must be capable of opening as wide as the aperture.

The means to secure both the wheelchair and the occupant of the wheelchair must be provided. Additional handholds and an additional step must be provided for the assistance of elderly and ambulant disabled people and ramps must be carried with the vehicle.

If the vehicle was not purpose built for the carriage of wheelchairs the applicant will be required to produce documentary evidence that it was adapted prior to registration, and that the adaption was approved by the manufacturer