Modified taxi vehicle policy

Vehicles which are described other than M1 on the V5 registration document must enable passengers seated behind the driver to have access to at least 2 doors (side or rear opening) without having to climb over or fold down any seats. Such vehicles must also satisfy the following:

• all retro-fitted seatbelts must meet MOT installation and condition standards
• the passenger interior floor area must be of a flat, non-slip, non-trip surface. Where wheelchair tracking is fitted, the Council recommends the fitting of blanking strips
• partitioned rear passenger compartments must be heated and capable of variable control. Such heaters must be linked accordingly to the main vehicle heating system and be capable of variable control. All exposed piping and wiring must be secure and adequately insulated. Water leaks are unacceptable
• no interior surface within the passenger compartment shall contain sharp edges likely to cause injury
• all interior trim must match and be fitted to a professional standard. Evidence of obvious work or modification should not be on view
• all seating in the vehicle must be intact, in a safe condition and M1 compliant
• all vehicles must be fitted with safety glass containing an approved marking to this effect. Any partition fitted with safety glazing (plastic) must be of a suitable material (e.g. shatterproof)
• rear compartments entrance/exit areas must be adequately illuminated at floor and at higher levels. Such lighting must operate automatically when each rear passenger door is opened
• all passenger doors must be capable of being restrained in the open position
• each rear passenger door aperture must contain at least one grab handle to assist passengers while entering/exiting the vehicle. Each handle must be securely fixed using a substantial mounting such as machine screws that are capable of holding a reasonable force
• each rear passenger compartment must contain at least two opening windows that can be opened from the interior for ventilation purposes
• the maximum height from the road surface to the passenger floor should be 250mm for the first step and 300mm for any subsequent step. Vehicles exceeding this figure must have some form of step incorporated into the bodywork (this may be of a retracting or folding type).

Additional requirements for wheelchair accessible vehicles:

• where the vehicle is fitted with a tail lift, a "LOLER" certificate must be obtained prior to the vehicle inspection
• the rear compartment entrance/exit doors must be of a suitable size to allow access for a wheelchair
• where passengers or the seating arrangement for passengers are rear-facing, an adequate turning circle within the vehicle is needed
• the vehicle must be capable of adequately securing a wheelchair to the vehicle floor.

suitable type of restraint;

• appropriate wheelchair restraint(s) must accompany the vehicle when it is presented for test
• wheelchair ramps must be capable of being securely fixed to the vehicle during use. They must be of a type and length allowing safe and easy use by the person loading the wheelchair
• wheelchair ramps must be safely and securely stored in a suitable area of the vehicle when they are not in use
• seatbelts must be fitted to restrain wheelchair occupants. A single seatbelt must not be used to restrain both the wheelchair and occupant.