HACKNEY CARRIAGE / PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE … · 7.9 Check the operation / condition of all window mechanisms ensuring that they allow the windows to be opened and closed properly

1

HACKNEY CARRIAGE / PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTING MANUAL FOR ISSUE OF

CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS

2

3

TAMWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL

The Licensing of Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTING MANUAL

Elements of the Vehicle Certificate of Fitness Test

in Addition to MOT Standards The highlighted items on the test list are considered to be major road safety items and failure of any ONE of these will result in IMMEDIATE suspension of the vehicle from private hire or hackney carriage use. The failure of FIVE or more of the minor items will also result in the IMMEDIATE suspension of that vehicle from private hire or hackney carriage use. In addition, the vehicle may be suspended from private hire or hackney carriage use for any defect that the tester feels renders the vehicle unsafe or unsuitable for such use.

4

1. EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE

Method of Inspection

1.1 Check all wind-checks (stop straps, levers) to ensure that the doors are restrained when opened.

1.2 Examine the external paintwork for damage which adversely affects the appearance of the vehicle.

1.3 Check that the nearside and offside door / wing mirrors are fitted to the vehicle in a secure manner and they function correctly.

1.4 Ensure that the front and rear bumpers are in good order and are securely fixed to the vehicle.

1.5 Examine the rubber seals to every door for serious damage, looseness or absence.

1.6 Ensure that the vehicle boot lid opens, closes and locks properly, and that the hinges and opening mechanism adequately support the lid when it is in the ‘lifted’ position.

Principal Reasons for Failure

1.1 Wind-checks (stop straps, levers) which fail to restrain the doors in place when open.

1.2 Generally poor or damaged paintwork to the vehicle. (Licensing Officer to be consulted if required.)

1.3 Missing or defective door / wing mirrors.

1.4 Damaged or inadequately secured front or rear bumpers.

1.5 Damaged, missing or loose door seals which are likely to cause draught, rain water penetration, unreasonable road noise or a trip hazard.

1.6 Worn hinges to boot lid, defective boot lock, weak or defective boot opening device.

5

2. PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE SIGNS


2.1 Examine the signs to ensure that they conform to Council standards. Ensure the sign is undamaged and the lettering clearly legible.

2.2 Ensure that the self adhesive signs are fixed directly mid height on vehicle rear doors (or in the case of minibuses with fixed side window glass - on the side window).


2.1 A sign that does not conform to the Council’s standards affixed to the vehicle.

2.2 A sign mounted on a magnetic strip that is easily removable from the vehicle door.

6

3. PRIVATE HIRE AND HACKNEY CARRIAGE LICENCE PLATES


3.1 Inspect the vehicle licence plate fixed to the rear of the vehicle for signs of damage or excessive wear, and ensure that the licence details / numbers are clearly legible.

3.2 Examine the plate fixing to the vehicle to ensure that it is securely fixed. Ensure that the plate is fixed in a prominent position externally.

a) Purpose Built Cab - Centrally mounted on the rear boot using the manufacturers standard mounting points

b) Private Hire Vehicle - In a vertical plane at bumper height and at or as close as practicable to the centre line of the vehicle and not obscured by any towing bracket / towing ball or any other equipment.


3.1 A damaged plate or a plate with it’s licence number not clearly legible.

3.2 A plate which is not adequately secured to the vehicle or is not fitted in a prominent position in accordance with guidance.

7

4. TYRES & SPARE WHEEL


4.1 Ensure that vehicle is equipped with a spare wheel and suitable tyre or an approved manufactures alternative.

4.2 Examine the spare tyre for signs of damage or excessive wear; ensure that the spare tyre complies with all legal requirements for tyres fitted to the vehicle.

4.3 Visually check the tyres for evidence of under or over inflation.

4.4 Examine the jack and wheelbrace provided with the vehicle to ensure that they are in good working order.

4.5 Check the spare wheel fixing bracket (or similar securing device) to ensure that the wheel is properly secured in the correct position.

4.6 Check the rim of the spare wheel for any signs of distortion or damage.


4.1 A spare wheel not provided with the vehicle or a tyre which is of a different size or construction to that specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

4.2 Damaged, worn, substandard or otherwise illegal spare tyre. A remould will only be accepted if it carries a clearly legible manufacturer’s mark and the tyre

conforms to the British Standard.)

4.3 Under or over inflated tyres.

4.4 Failure to provide a suitable jack and / or wheelbrace with the vehicle.

4.5 Failure to satisfactorily secure the spare wheel.

4.6 A damaged or distorted spare wheel rim.

8

5. BOOT


5.1 Examine the interior for evidence of damage, corrosion or water penetration.

5.2 Examine the boot floor covering to ensure that it is in good condition and that it offers adequate protection to luggage in the boot.

5.3 Examine the interior of the boot for accumulation of dirt, dust, grease, litter etc or staining of any surface with which luggage may come into contact.

5.4 Check the boot for the presence of containers of any flammable or corrosive material, eg - oil, petrol.


5.1 Damage or corrosion to the floor of the boot, inner wing panels or lid.

5.2 Excessive wear, damage or staining to the boot floor covering.

5.3 Accumulations of dirt, grease, rubbish etc in the boot which could soil or damage luggage stored therein.

5.4 Containers for the storage of oil, petrol, or any flammable or corrosive material shall not be carried in the vehicle.

(These materials could contaminate passenger’s luggage, taint food etc.)

9

6. ENGINE COMPARTMENT


6.1 Carry out visual inspection of the engine compartment for signs of oil or fuel leaks.

6.2 Examine all rubber / plastic hoses for signs of wear or deterioration.

6.3 Examine engine mountings for signs of deterioration.

6.4 Ensure that the radiator is properly secured to the vehicle and check for signs of leaks.

6.5 Check the master cylinder for spillage or leakage of fluid.

6.6 Check the operation of the bonnet release catch.


6.1 Excessive oil leaks or any fuel leakage.

6.2 Significantly worn or deteriorated hoses.

6.3 Insecure or deteriorated engine mountings.

6.4 A leaking or inadequately secured radiator.

6.5 Leaking master cylinders.

6.6 Defective bonnet release catch / mechanism.

10

7. INTERIOR OF VEHICLE


7.1 Examine the floor and upholstery inside the vehicle for accumulation of dust, dirt, litter, general debris, cigarette ash, staining or excessive wear.

7.2 Remove any mats from the floor and examine the carpets for signs of leakage of water into the vehicle.

7.3 Examine any mats provided to ensure that they are not worn or damaged.

7.4 Sit in each of the passenger seats within the vehicle to ensure that all seat cushions and backrests are in a good condition and offer proper support to the passenger.

7.5 Check the operation of the interior light within the vehicle both the manual switch and the door operated switches.

7.6 Examine the interior rear view mirror and ensure that it is securely fixed.

7.7 Check the operation of the heater / windscreen demister to ensure that it is in satisfactory working order.

7.8 Examine the brake and clutch pedal rubbers for signs of excessive wear.

7.9 Check the operation / condition of all window mechanisms ensuring that they allow the windows to be opened and closed properly.

7.10 Check the operation of all the door release catches to ensure that the doors can be easily opened from within the vehicle.

7.11 Ensure that the child proof locks (if fitted) to rear doors are in working order.

7.12 Check operation of automatic electric door locking mechanisms are operating correctly.

7.13 Ensure that no smoking signs are displayed internally

7.14 Check that there are no excessive unpleasant odours noticeable inside the vehicle.

11


7.1 A vehicle which is in a dirty condition with accumulation of dust, litter, debris etc or staining to carpets or upholstery.

7.2 Evidence of leakage of water into the vehicle from rain water penetration or leaking cooling / heating system.

7.3 Upholstery which is excessively worn, holed or torn.

7.4 Seat cushions or backrests which are in a poor condition and / or offer poor support to passengers.

7.5 Faulty interior light fitting. Faulty interior light switch. Faulty interior light door switch.

7.6 A loose, damaged or missing rear view mirror.

7.7 Defective heater / windscreen demister.

7.8 Worn or missing brake and / or clutch pedal rubbers.

7.9 Window winders / slides that do not allow windows to be easily opened and closed.

7.10 Defective interior door release catches.

7.11 Defective child proof locks.

7.12 Incorrect functioning of automatic electric door locks

7.13 No smoking signs are not displayed

7.14 Unacceptable smells of vomit, food or other contaminants.

12

8. FIRST AID KIT


8.1 Ensure that the first aid kit is provided within the vehicle.

8.2 See that the first aid kit is permanently marked with the plate number of the vehicle being tested.


8.1 Failure to provide a first aid kit, which conforms to the Council’s specification.

8.2 A first aid kit which is not permanently legibly marked with a plate number of the vehicle.

13

9. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

9.1 Ensure that a fire extinguisher of the dry powder type with a minimum capacity of 0.9kg is provided.

Note - existing extinguishers provided on vehicles currently licensed may continue to be carried until used or considered no longer serviceable.

9.2 Ensure that the extinguisher is secured safely in the driver / passenger compartment of the vehicle and is readily available for use.


9.1 Failure to provide a fire extinguisher, or a fire extinguisher of the stated type, within the vehicle.

9.2 A fire extinguisher which is not conspicuous and readily accessible within the vehicle’s driver / passenger compartment.

A discharged / partially discharged fire extinguisher or damaged so as to prevent functioning. A fire extinguisher that is not securely fixed.

14

10. TAXI METERS


10.1 Ensure that the meter is sited in a position that it can be clearly seen from all passenger seats within the vehicle.

10.2 Examine the taxi meter mounting to ensure that it is satisfactorily secured within the vehicle.

10.3 Check the taxi meter to ensure that the figures indicating the fare are illuminated.

10.4 Ensure that the taxi meter is set to the correct fare rates as per the agreed table of fares.

10.5 Check that the table of fares (in the format laid down by the Council), is displayed in the vehicle in a position which can be clearly seen by the passengers in the vehicle.


10.1 Absence of a taxi meter (Hackney Carriage) or a taxi meter which is not suitably sited within the vehicle.

(Private Hire vehicles are not required to have a taxi meter fitted within the vehicle. When fitted to a Private Hire vehicle a meter must comply with the specifications as set out in this sheet.)

10.2 A taxi meter which is not adequately secured within the vehicle.

10.3 Lack of adequate illumination to the taxi meter display.

10.4 An incorrectly set taxi meter.

10.5 Failure to display a table of fares in a conspicuous position within the vehicle. (Applies to all Hackney Carriage and those Private Hire vehicles fitted with a taxi meter.)

15

11. TAXI OR WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES


11.1 The wheelchair access door(s) must be capable of opening as wide as the aperture.

11.2 There must be sufficient space between the front of the rear seat and the partition or forward seats for a wheelchair to turn.

11.3 A means to secure both the chair and the wheelchair occupant must be provided.

11.4 Additional hand-holds and additional steps (if fitted) must be serviceable and secure. Appropriate ramps must be carried with the vehicle at all times.

Note - Check to ensure the wheel chair conversion is either:

a) Standard factory fitment

b) If not standard factory fitment has it been converted by agents approved by this Council.


11.1 The wheelchair access door(s) are not capable of opening as wide as the aperture.

11.2 Insufficient space between the front of the rear seat and the partition or forward seats for a wheelchair to turn.

11.3 No means to secure both the chair and the wheelchair occupant provided.

11.4 Additional hand-holds and additional steps (if fitted) not be serviceable and secure. Appropriate ramps not carried with the vehicle.

Note - Wheel chair conversion is either:

a) Not a Standard factory fitment

b) Not been converted by agents approved by this Council. eh/phrases/taxi hc ph supplementary test manual/02

Documents

HACKNEY CARRIAGE / PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE … · 7.9 Check the operation / condition of all window mechanisms ensuring that they allow the windows to be opened and closed properly