Appendix 2

Vehicle Compliance Testing Document

To be used for all and private hire vehicles submitted for testing.

Licensing Section Regeneration Department Wirral Borough Council Town Hall Brighton Street Wallasey Wirral CH44 8ED

0151 691 8043 [email protected] 0151 691 8215 www.wirral.gov.uk 28 August 2008

Note:

The vehicle test comprises testing of all points listed in section A and section B within this document. In deciding whether a vehicle satisfies each point you must have regard to the guidelines in the second column – “Reason to Fail”.

Vehicles are required to pass both section A and section B in order to be licensed as private hire or hackney carriage vehicles by Wirral Borough Council.

HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLES

The following vehicles have been approved to be licensed as Hackney Carriage Vehicles

LTI TXI

LTI TXII

LTI TX4

Carbodies Fairway

Metrocab

The following vehicles have been approved to be licensed as Hackney Carriage in both the short and long wheelbase versions.

Patons TW200

JAG VW Eurocab

JAG Mercedes T1 Eurocab

Cab Direct (Allied Vehicles) Peugeot E7

Cab Direct (Allied Vehicles) Mercedes M8

PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES

Only vehicles complying with the following conditions will be considered for licensing as private hire vehicles:-

Vehicles fitted with at least 4 doors and 4 wheels.

Vehicles must be right-hand drive (except special event private hire vehicles) .

Vehicles under 8 years of age.

Vehicles with adequate space for luggage within the car.

Vehicles capable of carrying at least 4 and not more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver.

Where the rear of the vehicle is fitted with bench seats the seat must measure at least 45”, measured in a straight line lengthwise along the front of the seat.

The vehicle must be fitted with at least two rear vision mirrors, one of which shall be fitted internally and the other externally on the offside.

Any vehicle which has been the subject of significant damage rectification repairs will not be licensed unless such repairs have been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification.

Section A

THE VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Pass MOT inspection Vehicle does not pass current

MOT test

Section B

1 EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

The exterior of the bodywork, the Contamination preventing full If the vehicle comes for 1.1 underside of vehicle and engine or proper inspection. inspection in a dirty compartment must be in a clean condition the inspection condition so as to facilitate full will not be carried out inspection of these areas. ( A new appointment will have to be made and a

full fee is payable)

Check operation of all external Defective external door 1.2 locks and catches, ensuring all catches or locks which prevent doors can be securely closed, a door opening or closing locked and easily opened. properly.

Check all sliding doors in hackney Colour contrasting door 1.3 carriages have colour contrasting handles not fitted door handles.

Check reflective strips are on Reflective strips not fitted 1.4 front and rear edges of sliding doors in hackney carriages.

Where sliding doors are fitted in a “Door Open” sign is not fitted or 1.5 hackney carriage, check that a is inoperative. “Door Open” sign is fitted to the rear of the vehicle which is activated when a door is opened.

Check all doors to ensure that Poorly fitting doors to the Vehicles of unitary 1.6 they are aligned properly will vehicle. Worn or loose locks, construction to meet open and close easily, and all hinges or defective boot manufacturers guidelines gaps around doors are opening device. on panel gaps reasonably equal. Ensure boot lid *Gaps may vary on opens/closes and locks correctly, Metrocabs due to hand and that all hinges and opening build. mechanisms adequately support the lid when it is in the open position.

Check to ensure all door hinges Door hinges defective. Only when affects 1.7 are in good condition allowing operation of doors free movement of door.

1 EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Check all wind check positions to Wind checks fail to hold door Any wind check strap 1.8 ensure doors are held in place in position when opened. must be of a type when opened. approved by the manufacturer. Leather

check straps acceptable.

Check all doors are held in place Door fails to hold in place 1.9 when opened. when opened.

Examine the external body Corrosion or damage to the All repairs to be carried 1.10 panels and structures for any vehicle body or structure which out in accordance with evidence of corrosion, damage, adversely affects the manufacturers or unsatisfactory repairs, check appearance and/or safety of specification for the suitability of replacement the vehicle. Replacement panels. Ensure all gaps are panels fitted that alter the Sharp edges are reasonably equal around all effect of impact zones. Gaps forbidden to all parts of panels. reasonably unequal around the vehicle. (exterior panels. panels)

Examine the external body and Generally poor or damaged All paint work repairs 1.11 paint work for damage, which body or paintwork, dull, not in are to be of a high adversely affects the appearance uniform colour, and standard no sign of of the vehicle. appearance, repairs visible, repairs are to be visible paint work of poor standard, all paint must be free of

overspray to any other part of runs, when painting the vehicle. single panels the paint must match adjoining

paint work. Where new

Check nearside and offside Missing or defective exterior panels are fitted they 1.12 door/wing mirrors are fitted in a mirrors. Aerial not securely must be of a type secure manner and that they fixed. approved by the vehicle function correctly. Ensure aerial manufacturer and/or is securely fitted. meet current BS standards

Spray body guard accepted to a maximum of two inches above bumper provided it is sprayed to match existing paintwork

All body mouldings, Ensure front and rear bumpers Damaged or inadequately 1.13 bumper end caps trims, are undamaged and are securely secured front or rear bumpers. mudflaps, decals, fixed to the vehicle Angled dents and end caps. badges, etc are to be securely fixed and free of damage. Discoloration accepted.

Ensure number plates are in Damage to front or rear 1.14 good condition and are free of number plates. damage, and legible. White

reflective at front and yellow reflective at rear.

1 EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Examine rubber seals to doors Damaged or missing, or loose 1.15 and windows for damage, door seals which may cause looseness or absence affecting draught, rainwater ingress, performance of seals. unreasonable road noise or a trip hazard.

Check to ensure all windows are Vehicle identification not 1.16 etched with the vehicle clearly legible on all windows. registration, VIN or chassis

number.

Windows must have no more Any window with more than 1.17 than 25% tint value. 25% tint value.

Vehicle must be fitted with a key Vehicle not having a method of 1.18 locking fuel cap or an internal securing fuel cap. means of lock or release.

Reversing lights must be Reversing lights not operable. 1.19 operable when fitted.

All windows to be free of cracks Cracks in windscreen, rear 1.20 and excessive marking, as set window or any window/glass out in the MOT testers handbook. or excessive marking on any window.

Vinyl roof covering to be free of Loose or damaged covering 1.21 damage.

Check a moveable intermediate Steps not fitted. 1.22 step is provided at each entrance into the passenger compartment of a hackney carriage where the top tread for the entrance to the passenger compartment exceeds 38cm.

Check the edges of the step are Edges of step not marked 1.23 marked in yellow.

Check the step is etched with the Step not etched 1.24 vehicle registration number.

Check the operation of Steps inoperable. Steps do 1.25 electrically operated steps. not retract before vehicle moves off.

2 BOOT REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Examine the boot interior for Damage to the floor of the boot, 2.1 evidence of damage, inner wing panels or lid. corrosion or water penetration.

Examine interior of boot to Excessive wear, damage, or 2.2 ensure it is clean and free of staining to the boot floor. dirt, dust, grease, litter, etc. Accumulation of litter, dust or Covering to be free of stains. rubbish in the boot which could Check boot offers adequate soil or damage luggage stored protection to passengers’ within . luggage stored in the boot.

Check boot for the presence Containers for the storage of These materials may 2.3 of any materials presenting a petrol, diesel, oil or any corrosive contaminate passengers fire or fume hazard. (e.g. oil, material shall not be carried in luggage or foodstuffs petrol or diesel). the vehicle. (note.a five litre bottle of engine oil and water will be allowed)

Ensure that boot can be Boot locking mechanism/striker 2.4 secured by a locking plate loose, worn, maladjusted or mechanism. difficult to operate.

Ensure boot rubber seal is not Damaged or loose boot seal. 2.5 damaged. Ensure it is secure.

3 ENGINE COMPARTMENT REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Carry out visual inspection of the Excessive oil, fuel or water 3.1 engine compartment for signs of leaks. fuel, oil or water leaks.

Check to ensure that the battery Battery not adequately secured. 3.2 is properly secured in its correct position.

Examine all plastic/ rubber or Worn or deteriorated hoses or 3.3 metal hoses for signs of pipes.

deterioration or damage.

Check drive belt for correct Incorrectly adjusted or 3.4 adjustment and for signs of damaged drive belt. damage or deterioration.

Check security of radiator and Leaking or insecure radiator. 3.5 check hoses for leaks.

Examine engine/ Insecure or deteriorated 3.6 mounts for signs of deterioration engine/transmission mountings. or wear.

Check clutch mechanisms for Leakage of fluid or mechanical 3.7 correct operation. wear in the clutch mechanism.

Check operation of bonnet Defective bonnet release catch Bonnet catches 3.8 release catches. or mechanisms. modification to Fairways accepted.

Run engine to normal operational Engine breathing excess fumes. 3.9 temperature to ensure the engine

is not breathing out any excess fumes.

3.10 Fuel cut off switch to be operable Switch inoperable or removed. and present were known to be fitted as standard.

4 TYRES AND SPARE WHEELS REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Ensure that spare wheel/tyre is A spare wheel not provided If a car has tyres in a 4.1 of same size and construction as with the vehicle. A wheel/tyre combination which conform the road wheels or is a that is of a different size or to current legal manufacturers supplied space construction. Or a non- requirements (radial or saver wheel. manufacturer supplied space crossply), the carrying of saver wheel. one spare wheel/tyre

cannot be accepted since it

can only be used in limited circumstances/therefore the vehicle will fail the test. A mix of steel and cord radials will not be accepted.

All tyres fitted to hackney Tyres not marked or of an 4.2 carriages must be marked appropriate speed and weight “TAXI” or must be of an rating. appropriate speed and weight rating.

Examine tyres for signs of Damaged, worn, substandard Recut tyres are not 4.3 damage or excessive uneven or otherwise illegal tyres. acceptable wear ensure spare tyre complies

with all legal requirements for tyres when fitted to the vehicle. Remould tyres will only be acceptable if it carries a

clearly legible manufacturer

Check to ensure all tyres are Under inflated tyre. mark that it conforms to 4.4 inflated to the correct pressure British standards.

for the vehicle. Hackney vehicle tyres must be clearly marked with (TAXI) on the sidewall.

Examine the wheel brace and Failure to provide a suitable 4.5 jack provided to ensure they are jack/wheel brace. in good working order.

Check to ensure the spare wheel Spare wheel and tools not 4.6 is held securely in position. secured properly.

Check spare wheel rim for any A seriously damaged or 4.7 signs of distortion or damage. distorted rim, which impairs the ability to hold the tyre.

All tyres to have minimum tread A tyre not showing the 4.8 depth of 1.6mm across 75% of required tread depth. centre tread width with the

remaining 25% to have tread pattern showing, including spare.

5 INTERIOR OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Three point seat belts must be Three point seat belts not fitted 5.1 fitted to all passenger seats. or are inoperable on any passenger seat.

Examine all floor and upholstery A vehicle which is in a dirty Vehicles presented in a 5.2 inside the vehicle for any condition with accumulations dirty untidy condition will damage, accumulation of dirt, of dirt, dust litter, debris not be tested. (A new dust, litter, general debris, damage, etc. or staining. appointment will have to cigarette ash, staining or Excessive staining or damage be made and a full fee will excessive wear. Examine roof to roofing lining. be payable.) lining for excessive staining and

any damage. Where interior trims or roof lining have one rip or tear of not more than Remove any mats from floor and Evidence of leakage of water 5.3 75mm a good quality examine carpeting for signs of into vehicle. stitched repair is leakage of water into the vehicle. acceptable(patches not allowed) Advice may be given that Ensure carpeting is not worn or Worn or damaged carpet. 5.4 a roof lining will be damaged. required to be renewed at the next test.

Examine any mats to ensure they Upholstery including rims and 5.5 are not worn or damaged. Or a panels which are damaged, tripping hazard. excessively worn or torn.

Sit in each of the seats within the Seat cushions or back rests Patching is not 5.6 vehicle to ensure that all seat which are in poor condition acceptable cushions are in good condition and/or offer poor support. and offer proper support.

Examine all seats to ensure they Seats which are not 5.7 are properly secured to the adequately secured to the vehicle including fixed seat vehicle. cushions.

Check operation of interior lights, Faulty interior light fitting, faulty 5.8 checking both manual and door interior light switches. operated switches. (Note all

doors to have switches fitted if fitted as standard by manufacturer.)

Examine rear view mirrors to A loose, cracked damaged or 5.9 ensure they are securely fixed. missing mirror , or one that Non-standard mirrors not impairs vision. accepted.

5 INTERIOR OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Check operation of the heater Defective heater or demisters. 5.10 and demister to ensure their Defective passenger correct operation. Ensure compartment switches or are passenger compartment not lit . switches are all operational and illuminated, where appropriate .

Check operation of clutch and Defective clutch operation, 5.11 also pedal rubbers. worn or missing pedal rubbers. (Brake only)

Check operation of rear screen Defective rear screen heater. You can only check if 5.12 heater to ensure it is functioning switch lights up correctly.

Check operation of all window Window winders that do not Metrocab series 3 and 5.13 winders ensuring they allow allow windows to be TTT rear windows only lowering and raising of windows lowered/raised easily. go halfway down easily, check operation of all Defective window locks or window locks and associated associated fittings. fittings.

Check the operation of all door Defective interior door release 5.14 release catches including catches . (front doors only motion door and brake safety MOT) Defective motion locks, locks to ensure that doors can motion locks fitted with be opened easily from within the override. Warning lamps vehicle. Check for presence of inoperative, warning labels motion door lock warning lamps damaged or defaced. Brake and signs and their operations. safety lock not working.

Ensure childproof locks function Defective childproof locks. 5.15 correctly, when fitted on private

hire vehicles.

Check all door handles and grab Door handles, interior trims, 5.16 rails for condition and security. moulds, damaged worn or Ensure childproof protection insecure. covers are in place and free of

damage and held in place securely on hackney carriage vehicles.

Check for unpleasant odours Unacceptable smells. 5.17 within the vehicle.

Check a luggage grill or cover is Luggage grill/cover not fitted. 5.18 fitted to estate cars.

5 INTERIOR OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

If metal grill is fitted ensure it Loose or incorrectly fitted grill If glass partition fitted 5.19 has no sharp edges or exposed or exposed parts that may must display safety glass parts that may lead to injury of cause injury. Privacy partition marking or be plastic. No passenger or driver, ensure grill obstructed. Partition glass applied tints i.e. only is firmly secured. Metal grill does not slide or lock. manufacturer installed must not prevent operation of tints.

privacy partition. Ensure

partition glass can slide and lock.

Check that intercom systems Intercom system not clearly 5.20 (where fitted) are capable of marked. No means of being switched off within the passenger isolation system passenger compartment and easily. Warning light not that there are signs clearly working. visible explaining their use and how to switch them off. Check that a light is visible when intercom is on.

Check condition of all electrical Wiring not routed correctly. All electrical wiring to be 5.21 wiring to ensure it’s routed Insecure, damaged, poses a in good order and correctly and poses no risk or hazard or risk to passengers. securely routed and not hazard to passengers. pose any risk to passengers, when going

through panels the wiring must be protected by rubber grommets.

CCTV shall be firmly affixed Loose camera or screen fitted. Data Protection Act 5.22 when fitted. Sign warning notice should be No warning sign. CCTV in operation must be displayed affixed in passenger area .

Check gaiter around gear lever Split or missing gaiter can 5.23 is not split or missing. allow debris to fall into gear linkage. Gaiter insecure

Check that step is carried in Step not in vehicle. 5.24 MPVs.

Check for signs on rear of seats Signs not on rear of seats. 5.25 indicating the availability of the step and indicating exit doors, in MPVs.

Check speedometer is working. Speedometer inoperative. 5.26

6 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Check to ensure that the fire Fire extinguisher not of BAFE (British Approvals 6.1 extinguisher is a 1-litre (3a) rated approved type or rating. for Fire Equipment) Is the AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) only approved

type or powder. certification and maintenance scheme

acceptable to the

Ensure that the vehicle registration Vehicle registration number is Authority. 6.2 number is marked on the body of not clearly marked on the Only person /persons and the extinguisher by permanent extinguisher or companies approved marker. by BAFE may maintain and certify extinguishers fitted to hackney carriage Ensure that seal is in place and has BAFE approved seal is not in 6.3 or private hire vehicles. not been tampered with and is place, or is damaged. All information concerning intact. the standards for extinguishers is contained within BS EN2

Visibly check extinguisher for signs Visible signs of damage Gauge not showing it is 6.4 of damage. which would impair its use. charged or seal damaged.

Extinguisher to be fitted securely in Extinguisher not mounted 6.5 a readily accessible position. securely or is not readily accessible.

A second fire extinguisher should Second fire extinguisher 6.6 be fitted in the rear of MPVs. missing.

7 TAXI SIGNS (Hackney REASON TO FAIL NOTES Carriages)

Check that roof mounted signs A sign is not clearly legible Vehicles with window or 7.1 are properly illuminated. Ensure when illuminated. The door signs or full paint that the roof sign is connected to switching of the sign does not livery signs must have the meter switch so that the conform to the Council’s prior approval for those engaging of the meter standards. signs (Advertising) in automatically extinguishes the accordance with the rules sign. regulations as set by the Council.

Examine the roof-mounted sign to A sign that does not conform 7.2 ensure that its size, design and to the Council’s standards, construction conforms to the the sign is not clearly legible, original manufacturer’s standards, the sign is damaged. ensure the sign is not damaged and lettering is clearly legible.

Ensure that the sign is securely A sign that is not securely 7.3 fixed to the roof. fixed to the vehicle.

Check to ensure that the interior Interior sign not clearly visible, New or replacement 7.4 licence number sign is mounted damaged, illuminated, not vehicles can be tested securely, is clearly visible to all mounted correctly or securely. without an interior licence passengers, is illuminated as Not of type approved by the number sign required and of a type approved Council. Not wired direct to by the Council. Clearly legible ignition. numbers on a contrasting background, minimum size four by three and a half inches. This to be wired direct to ignition.

Check side window “For Hire” sign Sign inoperable 7.5 illuminates.

8 UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Check to ensure the vehicle is free The vehicle has a leakage of When a vehicle fails on 8.1 of any leakage of water, fuel and fuel or oil or an excessive Fuel, Oil, Water leaks, on oil. leakage of water. its retest it will be left running for no less than

five minutes prior to re

Check for the security/wear in any Insecure or worn drive shaft inspection. 8.2 drive shafts. components or mountings. The underside of the vehicle should be cleaned prior to test any vehicle

Check for excess corrosion/ Evidence of excess presented in a dirty 8.3 damage that does not fall within the corrosion/ damage to condition will not be prescribed area as set out in the underside of vehicle. examined. MOT testers manual.

(A new test will have to be booked and a full fee Check for wear of any engine or Worn or damaged 8.4 will be payable). transmission mounting that does mountings. not fall within the scope of the MOT testers manual. All underguards and engine protection covers to be removed prior to test

Ball joint rubbers to be free of Missing, torn or damaged. 8.5 damage.

Damaged, torn or insecure inner Release of lubricant from 8.6 drive shaft gaiters. joint.

9 WHEELCHAIR FACILITIES REASON TO FAIL NOTES

Anchorages must be provided for the Restraints for wheelchair Vehicles that have 9.1 wheelchair and occupant. These and occupant must be been converted to be anchorages must be either chassis independent of each other. wheelchair accessible or floor linked. must have an independent consulting

engineers report

Check condition of wheelchair Wheelchair restraints or detailing that the 9.2 restraints and equipment. equipment worn or damaged conversion is of a type or missing. approved by the vehicle manufacturer and that

Check operation of wheelchair Wheelchair restraints not the fitting of the 9.3 restraints. functioning correctly. conversion to the vehicle is also approved by the vehicle

Check operation and condition of Seatbelt worn, frayed, is also approved by the 9.4 disabled person’s seatbelt. damaged or cut. vehicle manufacturer. This document to be available for inspection

Check that appropriate approved Ramps fitted that are not of by the examiner on the 9.5 ramps are securely installed in the an approved type, or not day of test. boot of vehicle where applicable. fitted securely.

Portable ramps must be etched with Ramps not etched with 9.6 the vehicle registration number. vehicle registration number.

Examine the ramps for any damage. Ramps in poor condition or 9.7 damaged, or sharp edges showing.

Check as applicable the non-slip Non-slip provision worn or 9.8 provision and locating dowel pins are damaged, locating dowels free of any damage. damaged, worn or missing.