Wheelchair Accessible Hackney Carriage Licence Conditions

Understanding the Requirements for Wheelchair Accessible Hackney Carriages

For Hackney Carriage vehicles to be licensed as wheelchair accessible, a rigorous set of conditions must be met. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety, comfort, and usability of these vital transport services for passengers who use wheelchairs. This article delves into the detailed specifications and requirements that proprietors must adhere to.

Vehicle Definition and Approval

A vehicle is considered wheelchair accessible if it is specifically designed or adapted to carry at least one passenger who uses a wheelchair. Crucially, these vehicles must meet a type-approval process outlined by the council. Once approved, they are added to an official list of vehicles suitable for transporting wheelchair users. Maintaining this approved specification throughout the vehicle's licensed life is paramount, with any changes requiring prior written consent from the council.

Age Criteria for Accessibility Licences

The age of a vehicle plays a significant role in its eligibility for a wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriage licence. For initial applications, vehicles must be no more than one year old from their first registration date. For licence renewals, the general rule is that vehicles should not exceed eight years of age. However, exceptions can be made for vehicles in exceptional condition, considering their bodywork and interior. Special provisions exist for replacement vehicles following accident damage, vandalism, or theft, with specific age and mileage allowances for different engine types. Proprietors also have the flexibility to replace vehicles during the licence period, provided the replacement meets the age criteria.

Extended Licensing for Well-Maintained Vehicles

Proprietors can apply for an extension to the age criteria if the vehicle is in suitable mechanical condition, safe, and comfortable, and meets all other licensing conditions. A 4-seater wheelchair accessible vehicle may be licensed up to 10 years, and vehicles with 5, 6, or 7 seats can be licensed up to 12 years. This extension is subject to formal inspection by an Authorised Officer, with potential for additional inspections twice a year.

Technical Specifications for Accessibility

The core of these regulations lies in the detailed technical specifications ensuring safe and practical access for wheelchair users.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Door apertures must be sufficiently large to accommodate a wheelchair and occupant, with specific minimum dimensions for height and width (1250mm high, 750mm wide). The internal space for the wheelchair passenger also has minimum width and length requirements, along with a minimum headroom of 1400mm. All such vehicles must be equipped with either a ramp or a lift for loading and unloading.

Lift Requirements

Lift platforms need to be sized appropriately for the reference wheelchair and covered with non-slip material. Side flanges and rear devices are mandated to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off. Lifts must have manual operation capabilities in case of power failure and comply with BS 6109 standards. Stowage must not obstruct exits, and controls must be inhibited when the vehicle is in motion. Lifts require a minimum safe working load of 300kg and must undergo regular testing certificates in accordance with LOLER regulations.

Ramp Requirements

Ramps must provide a continuous surface of at least 750mm width and should not exceed 1900mm in length when deployed. Channel ramps are permissible only for currently licensed vehicles and not for new approvals. Like lifts, ramps must have non-slip surfaces, side flanges, and high-contrast edge markings. A minimum safe working load of 300kg is required. The slope of the ramp must not exceed 1 in 3 for side loading and 1 in 4 for rear loading, with provisions for kneeling suspension systems to assist in meeting these requirements. Ramps must be securely located during use and stowed safely.

General Entry and Exit

All passenger doors should have clear markings for their operation. Adequate illumination is required at all entry/exit points, the payment area, and the passenger saloon. Passengers must have direct access to at least two doors, with at least one on the near side. Furthermore, passengers should be able to reach these doors from their seats without excessive manoeuvring, with specific clearance requirements for any gaps between seats.

Steps

If the vehicle's floor is more than 250mm above the ground, steps are mandatory. The height of the first step must not exceed 250mm, with a maximum of three steps permitted. Steps must be securely fixed, with specific height and depth requirements for each. Step surfaces must be slip-resistant, with contrasting nosing. Any projecting steps must not exceed 100mm beyond the vehicle's widest point.

Handholds

Pairs of handrails are required at passenger doors, designed with slip-resistant finishes and contrasting colours. A minimum clearance and specific diameter are stipulated for grab handles to ensure ease of use.

Securing Wheelchairs and Occupants

The safe securing of both the wheelchair and its occupant is a critical aspect of the licensing conditions.

Wheelchair Securing

It must be possible to load and manoeuvre a wheelchair occupant safely within the vehicle without lifting the wheelchair's wheels. Wheelchairs must be secured independently of the occupant, either forward or rearward facing. Tie-down systems must meet stringent force resistance requirements, with documentary evidence of testing required. Systems complying with ISO 10542 are considered acceptable, provided the mounting points also meet the specified criteria.

Occupant Restraints

Wheelchair occupants must be secured independently of their wheelchairs. Minimum requirements include a 3-point seat belt for each occupant. Anchorages for these restraints must comply with relevant EU directives for seat strength and positioning, with documentary evidence of compliance needed. Any equipment intended to meet a British Standard must be clearly marked, and compliance must be proven through original certification from a qualified technician or approved test centre.

Operational and Advertising Conditions

Communication and Availability

Vehicles must be fitted with two-way radio communication equipment. Proprietors are obligated to make wheelchair accessible vehicles available upon demand, unless the vehicle is already out of service.

Corporate Advertising

Wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriages may display corporate livery, subject to approval. This is generally permitted for the first five years of the vehicle's licensed life, under specific purchasing conditions. Applications for livery are reviewed by council officers and relevant taxi associations. The livery must be professionally applied, maintained, and restored to the standard council livery upon agreement expiry.

Luggage Space and Lighting

A separate compartment must be provided for passenger luggage, distinct from the passenger seating or wheelchair securing area. Rear lights must not be obscured by rear doors during loading or unloading. Adequate illumination is also a key requirement for safe boarding and alighting.

Driver Partition and Emergency Equipment

Driver Partition

A partition separating the driver from passengers is required in most wheelchair accessible vehicles, particularly those with rear-facing wheelchair occupants. This partition must allow for communication and fare payment and meet specific glazing and structural standards to ensure passenger privacy and driver safety. If fitted as a preference, it must adhere to technical specifications, including the use of approved glazing materials.

Emergency Warning Triangle

All wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriages must carry an emergency warning triangle complying with ECE Regulation 27, secured in a safe location and deployed as necessary during breakdowns or loading/unloading operations.

Vehicle Markings and Identification

Vehicles with approved corporate advertising must display specific markings. This includes a council-pre-printed licence plate stating "Licensed Taxi" and the International Wheelchair symbol, clearly visible in the rear and side windows. Standard identification discs and windscreen signs are also mandatory.

Conclusion

Adhering to these comprehensive conditions is essential for any proprietor seeking to license a wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriage. These regulations underscore a commitment to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transport for all members of the community, ensuring that passengers with wheelchairs can travel with dignity and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the maximum age for a wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriage on renewal?
Normally, vehicles should not be more than eight years old from the date of first registration, but extensions are possible for vehicles in exceptional condition.

Q2: Are there specific requirements for securing a wheelchair in the vehicle?
Yes, wheelchairs must be secured independently of the occupant using tie-down systems that meet strict force resistance standards, with documentary evidence required.

Q3: Can I apply corporate advertising to my wheelchair accessible taxi?
Yes, corporate livery can be approved for the first five years of a vehicle's licensed life, subject to meeting specific application and maintenance criteria.

Q4: What are the minimum dimensions for a door aperture for wheelchair access?
The aperture must be at least 1250mm high and 750mm wide.

Q5: How often do vehicle lifts need to be inspected?
Power-operated lifts require testing and certification by a competent person every six months, in accordance with LOLER regulations.

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