Hackney Carriage vehicle conditions
2.1
A person being considered for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence on the first and any subsequent occasion, shall:
2.1.1
To the satisfaction of an authorised officer, have possession of a suitable vehicle, being a saloon car, hatchback, estate car or a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV).
2.1.2
Have a vehicle not more than 5 years old when first licensed (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles 6 years), the vehicle must be Euro 6 emission rating (petrol or diesel vehicles) or capable of achieving zero emissions (hybrid or electric vehicles). and not more than 10 years old when subsequently licensed (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles 20 years). Any limousine or specially approved vehicle shall have no specific age limit and will be reviewed annually. The 10-year maximum is based on the condition of the vehicle which is considered at 8 years and can be extended by 6-month intervals to a maximum of 10 years.
2.1.3
All vehicles submitted as a Hackney Carriage must be right hand drive.
2.1.4
Have been a licensed Hackney Carriage / Private Hire professionally experienced driver for a period of at least 3 years and must not be a person who would be refused a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Drivers Licence.
2.1.5
Submit the vehicle for mechanical inspection when requested by an authorised officer, including at first and subsequent licensing.
2.1.6
Submit appropriate insurance or other requested documents within 7 days when requested by an authorised officer.
2.1.7
Produce to the satisfaction of an Authorised Officer such documents detailing any arrangements for the use of, letting or hiring of the vehicle.
2.1.8
A company shall not be accepted as a proprietor of a licence.
2.2
Any vehicle shall, according to the manufacturer's specification, have the following:
2.2.1
Rear Seat accommodation for at least three persons with a minimum of 43.18cm (17 inches) per person.
2.2.2
Separate front seat/s to accommodate passengers in addition to the driver with minimum 43.18cm (17 inches) per passenger.
2.2.3
A minimum of four doors unless specially approved.
2.2.4
No seat shall need to be moved or tilted before a passenger can enter or exit the vehicle.
2.2.5
An overall height of not less than 135cm (53 inches).
2.2.6
A length of not less than 432cm (170 inches), unless specially approved.
2.2.7
An engine performance with a suitable power output.
2.2.8
Manufacturer's specification tinted glass windows are permitted, however no privacy glass shall be permitted in any vehicle which, in the Council's opinion, obscures the view of any passenger inside the vehicle.
2.2.9
If the vehicle is an estate car, a substantial protective shield shall be fitted to the rear interior section.
Or
2.2.10
Be a purpose built cab or be a vehicle conversion to wheelchair accessible or multi-seat capacity vehicle, provided the vehicle conforms to EU whole vehicle type approval or UK low volume approval, provided that the vehicle is no more than 6 years of age when first licensed and not more than 20 years old when subsequently licensed.