This manual provides a working guide for those who prepare London type taxicabs and private hire cars for inspection prior to being issued with a licence by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. It will also give an owner driver an insight into the type of examination his vehicle will be subjected to before it can be issued with a licence.
Every vehicle which is licensed in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council area must comply with the “Conditions of Fitness” laid down by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Only manufacturers items fitted as standard will be examined. In addition, the vehicle must comply with any Acts or Regulations relating to motor vehicles in force at the time of the licensing. The contents of this manual must not be regarded as a substitute for these statutory provisions and regulations.
Any owner wishing to alter or modify his taxicab or private hire car including the fitting of extras or alternative parts to those supplied by the manufacturer must consult the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council before incurring any expense. Only approved fittings may be attached to or carried upon the inside or outside of the vehicle.
Certain modifications may require a special inspection or a field trial before approval is given by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. If any unsuitable features arise following the period of any licence issued and, if any defects are found, the owner will be issued with a notice prohibiting him from using the vehicle until the defect has been rectified.
Wherever the word “approved” is used in this manual it refers to approval having been given by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Reproduced by kind permission of the Metropolitan Police Public Carriage Office.
THIS MANUAL AND THE ASSOCIATED VEHICLE INSPECTION CHECKLIST ARE ISSUED FREE OF CHARGE.