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Hackney carriage and private hire policy - Appendix M - Vehicle Specifications

  1. Licensing Policy
  2. Appendix A - Application procedure
  3. Appendix B - Disclosure & barring service
  4. Appendix C - Guidance for applicants with periods of residency outside the UK
  5. Appendix D - Statutory Declaration Format
  6. Appendix E - Conviction and Fitness Policy
  7. Appendix One - Major Traffic Offences
  8. Appendix Two - Minor Traffic Offences
  9. Appendix Three - Hybrid Traffic Offences
  10. Appendix F - Equality Act 2010 Guidance
  11. Appendix G - Combined Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Conditions
  12. Appendix H - Proof of Entitlement to work in the UK
  13. Appendix I - Code of conduct working with vulnerable passengers
  1. Appendix J - Vehicle application procedure
  2. Appendix K - Supplementary Testing Manual
  3. Appendix L - Exceptional Condition Definition
  4. Appendix M - Vehicle Specifications
  5. Appendix N - Private Hire Vehicle Licence Conditions
  6. Appendix O - Hackney Carriage Vehicle Conditions
  7. Appendix P - Special Events Vehicle Licence Conditions
  8. Appendix Q - Accident Reporting Form
  9. Appendix R - Location of Hackney Carriage Ranks
  10. Appendix S - Penalty Points System
  11. Appendix T - Private Hire Operators Application Process
  12. Appendix U - Private Hire Operators Conditions
  13. Appendix V – Use of the NR3 Database

Vehicle Specifications

Specification For Saloon Cars Which Are Hackney Carriages And Private Hire Vehicles

A Vehicle must have:-

  1. A vehicle powered by petroleum, diesel, propane, LPG or is a Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or Range-extended electric vehicle must have a front engine layout with a minimum capacity 1200 c.c.
    • A pure electric vehicle will be licenced if the Licensing Manager and the Principal Operational Services Manager (Env Services) are satisfied that the vehicle is suitable in size, type and design, comfortable for use as a licensed vehicle and of sound mechanical condition. The Vehicle will have to pass an assessment to the standards of Bassetlaw District Council’s Supplementary Specification.
  2. Right-hand drive.
  3. Four passenger doors including the driver’s door.
  4. Capacity for a minimum of four passengers excluding driver.
  5. Four road wheels fitted with manufacturer’s recommended size tyres. All tyres must be either all crossply or all radials. (Remould tyres are NOT acceptable unless they are clearly marked showing that they comply with British Standard BSAU144E).
  6. A spare wheel must be carried at all times, unless an exception to this is permitted (see below). A wheel brace and jack to enable the effective change of a tyre and wheel must be carried. Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle, will be accepted. Provision must be made for the defective standard road wheel to be secured in the vehicle should a space saver tyre be used in an emergency. Where an aerosol inflation and sealant device is supplied with the vehicle, by the manufacturer, as standard a spare tyre need not be carried. If a vehicle is fitted with ‘run flat’ tyres the vehicle must be fitted with a tyre pressure sensor / warning device. All tyres, including the spare tyre, space saver wheel or inflation/sealant device must comply with the vehicle manufacturers’ specification.
  7. A permanent roof which is watertight – standard sunroof allowed (i.e. sunroof fitted when new by manufacturer).
  8. A separate locking luggage area (i.e. boot) or in the case of an estate vehicle, a permanent grille or luggage bar(s) fitted sufficiently to prevent luggage carried in the rear compartment from coming into contact with persons using the rear seat.
  9. Rear seat belts (irrespective of age).
  10. Nearside and offside exterior rear view mirrors.
  11. An appropriate taxi sign (Hackneys only).
  12. An appropriate taxi meter (Hackneys only).
  13. Sufficient means by which a passenger can communicate with the driver.
  14. A fully serviceable fire extinguisher, fitted in such a position to be readily available for use and a capacity of not less than 1.0 litre AFFF or 1 kg dry powder.
  15. An approved first aid kit (as per testing manual).
  16. An M.O.T. Certificate*
  17. A clean and smart appearance both externally and internally.
  18. Clear windows, or, if tinted, must be to the manufacturers standard and conform to the legal requirements as laid down by the Construction and Use Regulations 2003.

Note:
A vehicle must not be more than seven years old when initially licensed unless the vehicle is in “exceptional condition”. Guidance Notes on the definition of “exceptional condition” can be obtained from the Licensing Office. In the event that the Licence is refused for vehicles which do not meet the Council’s age policy, there is a right of Appeal to the Magistrates Court. Vehicles which reach the age of ten years old will not have their licence renewed unless in “exceptional condition”. Vehicles five years and over are subject to Council tests every six months.

* An M.O.T. Certificate is required:

(1) For Hackney Carriage Vehicles after the FIRST YEAR of registration.
(2) For Private Hire Vehicles when the vehicle is three years old.

Specification

Hackney Carriage Private Hire

Hackney carriage private hire specifications of the vehicle

General

  1. Front engine layout - minimum capacity 1200 c.c. (For vehicles powered by petroleum, diesel, propane, LPG, Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or Range-extended electric vehicle)
  2. Four passenger doors - including driver.
  3. Capable of carrying four passengers and the driver.
  4. Separate rear luggage compartment - lockable and not accessible from inside the car. Grille or luggage bar(s) in an estate car.
  5. Four road wheels.
  6. Manufacturer's gross vehicle weight for tyres and suspension fitted to car powered by petroleum, diesel must permit a minimum payload equal to the driver, full fuel tank, four passengers (at 154 lb per person) and 45 lb of luggage per passenger.   This equals 950 lb + fuel capacity and equipment. Where propane or LPG is used as fuel or the vehicle is a Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or Range-extended electric vehicle the weight of extra equipment must be within the gross weight. Pure electric vehicles will be licenced at the discretion of the Licensing Manager and the Principal Operational Services Manager (Env Services).

Dimensions

A - 93 cm/36” min. Cushion not compressed.
B - 96 cm/37” min. Seat fully rearwards.
C - 61 cm/24” min. Front seat fully rearwards.
D - 84 cm/33” min. Cushion not compressed.
E - 245 cm/96” min. Wheelbase.
F1 - 133 cm/52” min. Interior width between doors.
F2 - 122 cm/48” min. Between armrests.
G - 25 cm/10” point of measurement parallel with squab.
L - 43 cu.m/15 cu.ft. min. luggage capacity (hard luggage).

Equipment

  1. One of the following pieces of equipment for a flat tyre

    • Spare wheel and tyre - properly stowed to protect passengers’ luggage (this included a jack and wheel brace); OR
    • Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle; OR
    • Aerosol Inflation and sealant device where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle; OR
    • Run flat tyres where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle
  2. Fire extinguisher (min. - 1.0 litre AFFF or 1 kg dry powder) *
  3. An approved first aid kit, as per testing manual. *
  4. N.S. and O.S. exterior rear view mirrors.

Licence plate locationVehicles are tested in accordance with the Council’s Testing Manual.
Copies can be obtained from the Council’s Licensing Office.

 

* Located in passenger compartment.

 

The licence plate must be securely fixed either above, on or below the bumper bar on the nearside as illustrated.

 

 

Licensing Committee
11.1.17

Specification for Wheelchair Accessible

Hackney Carriage Vehicles (For Up To 8 Passenger Seats)

  • General Construction
    1. All vehicles submitted for plating must initially be no older than 7 years and comply in all respects with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle (Type Approval) Regulations 1980 and the Motor Vehicle (Type Approval) Regulations (Great Britain) 1984, and in use must comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U).
    2. Vehicles must also comply in all respects with British and European vehicle regulations and be Type Approved to the requirements of the M or M1 category of European Whole Type Approval 70/156/EEC as amended.
    3. In addition to 1.1 and 1.2 above, all vehicles licensed for Public Hire within the district of Bassetlaw must comply with the regulations set out below.
  • Vehicle Body
    1. The overall width of the vehicle exclusive of the driving mirrors must not exceed 1.845 metres.
    2. The overall length of the vehicle must not exceed 5.1 metres.
    3. The windscreen and all windows must be clear or, if tinted, must be to the manufacturers standard and must conform to the legal requirements as laid down by the Construction and Use Regulations 2003.
  • Passenger Compartment
    1. Doors to the passenger compartment to be located to the nearside, offside and rear (wheelchair access) of the vehicle.
    2. Swing doors (if fitted) may be rear or front hinged. 
    3. Sliding doors (if fitted) to be electrically, mechanically or pneumatically operated by driver or passenger, with manual override facility.
    4. Rear door motion locking system to be fitted with driver controlled override is desirable.
    5. The door and doorway must be constructed to permit an unrestricted opening across the doorway of at least 0.75 metres.
    6. Swing doors (if fitted) must be capable of being opened to an angle of at least 90 degrees to the vehicle body.
    7. The clear height of the doorway must not be less than 1.2 metres. 
    8. The top of the tread for any entrance to the passenger compartment must be at floor level of the passenger compartment and must not exceed 0.38 metres above ground level when the vehicle is unladen.
    9. The outer edge of the floor at each entrance must be fitted with non-slip treads.
  • Facilities for the Disabled
    1. The vehicle must be constructed to be able to convey in safety at least 1 wheelchair passenger. In this instance, an occupied reference wheelchair to be 0.7 metres wide, 1.2 metres long and 1.35 metres high.
    2. Wheelchair access to the passenger compartment to be via the nearside, offside or rear doors. The recognised wheelchair sign to be displayed on the nearside and offside of the vehicle.
    3. Approved anchorages must be provided for the wheelchair and chair bound disabled person. Restraints for the wheelchair and the occupant must be independent of each other.
    4. A ramp or ramps for the loading of a wheelchair and occupant must be available at all times for use at the nearside rear passenger or rear door. An adequate locking device must be fitted to ensure the ramp/ramps do not slip or tilt when in use. Provision must be made for the ramps to be stowed safely when not in use.
    5. High visibility grab handles must be placed at door entrances to assist the elderly and disabled.
    6. High visibility seat edgings to assist the visually impaired are desirable.
  • Minimum Luggage Capacity (hand luggage)
Number of persons Minimum luggage capacity
4 0.43 cu.m./15 cu.ft.
5 0.54 cu.m. / 18.75 cu.ft.
6 0.65 cu.m. / 22.25 cu.ft.
7 0.75 cu.m. / 26.25 cu.ft.
8 0.86 cu.m. / 30 cu.ft.

The above specifications apply to wheelchair accessible London type cabs. However, the Department for Transport advise that local authorities should not be restrictive. The Council will therefore consider other types of wheelchair accessible vehicles for licensing. The Council has adopted the Department for Transport Best Practice Guidance dated March 2010.

  • Spare Wheel Requirements

A spare wheel must be carried at all times, unless an exception to this is permitted (see below). A wheel brace and jack to enable the effective change of a tyre and wheel must be carried. Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle, will be accepted. Provision must be made for the defective standard road wheel to be secured in the vehicle should a space saver tyre be used in an emergency. Where an aerosol inflation and sealant device is supplied with the vehicle, by the manufacturer, as standard a spare tyre need not be carried. If a vehicle is fitted with ‘run flat’ tyres the vehicle must be fitted with a tyre pressure sensor / warning device. All tyres, including the spare tyre, space saver wheel or inflation/sealant device must comply with the vehicle manufacturers’ specification.

Note

A vehicle must not be more than five years old when initially licensed unless in “exceptional condition”. Guidance Notes on the definition of “exceptional condition” can be obtained from the Licensing Office. In the event that a Licence is refused for a vehicle which does not meet the Council’s age policy, there is a right of Appeal to the Magistrates Court.

Vehicles which reach the age of twelve years will not have their licence renewed unless in “exceptional condition”. Vehicles five years and over are subject to Council tests every six months.

Vehicles are tested in accordance with the Council’s Testing Manual. Copies can be obtained from the Council’s Licensing Office.

An MOT Certificate is required after the FIRST YEAR of registration.


Licensing Committee
11.1.17

Specification for Multi Purpose Vehicles

(People Carriers) Which Are Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles

A vehicle must have:

  1. Front engine layout - minimum capacity 1400 c.c.
  2. Right-hand drive.
  3. Four passenger doors including the driver’s door.
  4. Capacity for not less than four and not more than eight passengers excluding the driver.
  5. Appropriate emergency exit facilities i.e. two emergency doors as follows: -
    1. Rear door and one side opening door in addition to the driver and front passenger doors (unless of coach built construction) both of which must be capable of being opened from the inside with direct access for all passengers; or
    2. Two side opening doors in addition to the driver and front passenger doors both of which must be capable of being opened from the inside and direct access for all passengers
  6. Folding or moving seats which are so constructed to provide access to other seats to which there is no direct access will not be permitted
  7. Where the rear door is used as an emergency exit, the access gangway to that exit must be not less than 40 cm wide.
  8. Rear seat belts (irrespective of age).
  9. Four road wheels fitted with manufacturer’s recommended size tyres. All tyres must be either all crossply or all radials. (Remould tyres are NOT acceptable unless they are clearly marked showing that they comply with British Standard BSAU144E).
  10. A spare wheel must be carried at all times, unless an exception to this is permitted (see below). A wheel brace and jack to enable the effective change of a tyre and wheel must be carried. Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle, will be accepted. Provision must be made for the defective standard road wheel to be secured in the vehicle should a space saver tyre be used in an emergency. Where an aerosol inflation and sealant device is supplied with the vehicle, by the manufacturer, as standard a spare tyre need not be carried. If a vehicle is fitted with ‘run flat’ tyres the vehicle must be fitted with a tyre pressure sensor / warning device. All tyres, including the spare tyre, space saver wheel or inflation/sealant device must comply with the vehicle manufacturers’ specification.
  11. A permanent roof which is watertight - standard sunroof allowed (i.e. sunroof fitted when new by manufacturer).
  12. A permanent grille or luggage retainer fitted to prevent any luggage carried in the vehicle from causing harm to any person in the vehicle. Roof or rear mounted racks will not be permitted.
  13. Nearside and offside exterior rear view mirrors.
  14. An appropriate taxi sign (Hackneys only).
  15. An appropriate taxi meter (Hackneys only).
  16. Sufficient means by which a passenger can communicate with the driver.
  17. A fully serviceable fire extinguisher, fitted in such a position to be readily available for use and a capacity of not less than 1.0 litre AFFF or 1 kg dry powder.
  18. An approved first aid kit (as per testing manual).
  19. An M.O.T. Certificate*
  20. A clean and smart appearance both externally and internally.
  21. Clear windows or, if tinted, must be to the manufacturers standard and conform to the legal requirements as laid down by the Construction and Use Regulations 2003.

NOTE

A vehicle must not be more than five years old unless the vehicle is in “exceptional condition”. Guidance Notes on the definition of “exceptional condition” can be obtained from the Licensing Office. In the event that a Licence is refused for vehicles which do not meet the Council’s age policy there is a right of Appeal to the Magistrates Court. Vehicles which reach the age of ten years will not have their licence renewed unless in exceptional condition”. Vehicles five years and over are subject to Council tests every six months.

* An M.O.T. Certificate is required:

  1. For Hackney Carriage Vehicles after the FIRST YEAR of registration.
  2. For Private Hire Vehicles when the vehicle is three years old.

Specification

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (Multi Purpose Vehicle)

A vehicle must have:

Hackney carriage and private hire multi purpose vehicle specification

GENERAL

  1. Front engine layout - minimum capacity 1400 c.c.
  2. Four passenger doors - including driver.
  3. Capable of carrying not less than four passengers and the driver.
  4. A permanent grille or luggage retainers fitted sufficiently to prevent any luggage carried in the vehicle from causing harm to any person in the vehicle.
  5. Four road wheels.
  6. Manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight for tyres and suspension fitted to car must permit a minimum payload equal to the driver, full fuel tank, the number of passengers for which a licence is requested (at 154lb per person) and 45lb of luggage per passenger. This equals 950lb + fuel
    capacity and equipment. Where propane or LPG is used as fuel the weight of extra equipment must be within the gross weight.
Category Dimensions
A 93 cm/36” min. Cushion not compressed.
B 96 cm/37” min. Seat fully rearwards.
C 61 cm/24” min. Front seat fully rearwards.
D 84 cm/33” min. Cushion not compressed.
E 245 cm/96” min. Wheelbase.
F1 133 cm/52” min. Interior width between doors. * .54cu.m/18.75cu.ft - 5 people
F2 122 cm/48” min. Between armrests. * .65cu.m/22.5cu.ft - 6 people
G 25 cm/10” point of measurement parallel with squab. * .75cu.m/26.25cu.ft - 7 people
L 43 cu.m/15 cu.ft. min. luggage capacity (hard luggage). ** .86cu.m/30cu.ft - 8 people

EQUIPMENT

  1. One of the following pieces of equipment for a flat tyre

    • Spare wheel and tyre - properly stowed to protect passengers’ luggage (this included a jack and wheel brace); OR
    • Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle; OR
    • Aerosol Inflation and sealant device where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle; OR
    • Run flat tyres where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle
  2. Fire extinguisher (min. - 1.0 litre AFFF or 1 kg dry powder) *
  3. An approved first aid kit, as per testing manual. *
  4. N.S. and O.S. exterior rear view mirrors.

* Located in passenger compartment.

Vehicles are tested in accordance with the Council’s Testing Manual.
Copies can be obtained from the Council’s Licensing Office

The licence plate must be securely fixed either above, on, or below the bumper bar on the nearside as illustrated. Number plate location for multi purpose hackney carriage and private hire vehicle

Licensing Committee
11.1.2017

Specification For Minibuses Licensed As Private Hire Vehicles

A Private Hire Vehicle Licence will be granted in respect of a minibus adapted to carry up to 8 passengers i.e. 8 seats plus the driver's seat.
Bench or crew type seating will not be permitted.

A vehicle must have:

  1.  Appropriate emergency exit facilities i.e. two emergency doors as follows:
    1. Rear door and one side opening door in addition to the driver and front passenger doors (unless of coach built construction) both of which must be capable of being opened from the inside with direct access for all passengers; or
    2. Two side opening doors in addition to the driver and front passenger doors both of which must be capable of being opened from the inside and direct access for all passengers.
  2. Folding or moving seats which are so constructed to provide access to other seats to which there is no direct access will not be permitted.
  3. Right-hand drive.
  4. Four road wheels fitted with manufacturer’s recommended size tyres. All tyres must be crossply or radials. (Remould tyres are NOT acceptable unless they are clearly marked showing that they comply with British Standard BSAU144E).

  5. A spare wheel must be carried at all times, unless an exception to this is permitted (see below). A wheel brace and jack to enable the effective change of a tyre and wheel must be carried. Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle, will be accepted. Provision must be made for the defective standard road wheel to be secured in the vehicle should a space saver tyre be used in an emergency. Where an aerosol inflation and sealant device is supplied with the vehicle, by the manufacturer, as standard a spare tyre need not be carried. If a vehicle is fitted with ‘run flat’ tyres the vehicle must be fitted with a tyre pressure sensor / warning device. All tyres, including the spare tyre, space saver wheel or inflation/sealant device must comply with the vehicle manufacturers’ specification.

  6. A permanent roof which is watertight – standard sunroof allowed (i.e. sunroof fitted when new by manufacturer).
  7. A permanent grille to be fitted sufficient to prevent luggage carried in the rear compartment from coming into contact with persons travelling in the bus. If one of the emergency doors is via a rear exit, luggage should not be stored in such a way as to hinder the use of that door.
    • In cases where a permanent grille cannot be fitted, a permanent luggage cage or permanent luggage restraining straps will be acceptable.
  8. Sufficient means by which a passenger can communicate with the driver.
  9. A fully serviceable fire extinguisher, fitted in such a position to be readily available for use and capacity of not less than 1.0 litre AFFF or 1 kg dry powder.
  10. An approved first aid kit (as per testing manual).
  11. An M.O.T. Certificate (when the vehicle is three years old).
  12. A clean and smart appearance both externally and internally.
  13. A seat belt for each person conveyed in the vehicle.
  14. Clear windows, or, if tinted, must be to the manufacturers standard and conform to the legal requirements as laid down by the Construction and Use Regulations 2003.
The licence plate must be securely fixed either above, on, or below the bumper bar on the nearside as illustrated. Number plate location for minibuses

EQUIPMENT

 

  1. One of the following pieces of equipment for a flat tyre

    • Spare wheel and tyre - properly stowed to protect passengers’ luggage (this included a jack and wheel brace); OR
    • Space-saver spare tyres, where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle; OR
    • Aerosol Inflation and sealant device where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle; OR
    • Run flat tyres where fitted, by the manufacturer, as standard equipment to the vehicle
  2. Fire extinguisher (min. - 1.0 litre AFFF or 1 kg dry powder) *
  3. An approved first aid kit, as per testing manual. *
  4. N.S. and O.S. exterior rear view mirrors.

* Located in passenger compartment.

Additional specifications for wheelchair accessible vehicles

  1. Access through side and rear door for wheelchairs, rear access not to be blocked by chair lift once the doors are closed.
  2. Emergency signage where solid wheelchair ramps obscure emergency signs. 
  3. Wheelchair anchorage points and seat belts.

NOTE

A vehicle must not be more than five years old when initially licensed unless the vehicle is in “exceptional condition”. Guidance Notes on the definition of “exceptional condition” can be obtained from the Licensing Office. In the event that a Licence is refused for vehicles which do not meet the Council’s age policy, there is a right of Appeal to the Magistrates Court. Vehicles which reach the age of ten years old will not have their licence renewed unless in “exceptional condition”. Vehicles five years and over are subject to Council tests every six months.

Vehicles are tested in accordance with the Council’s Testing Manual. Copies can be obtained from the Council’s Licensing Office.

Licensing Committee
11.1.2017

 

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, May 8, 2024