Age and Emission
- With effect from July 2023 no vehicles shall be licensed for the first time as a private hire vehicle if it is more than 9 years since the date of the first registration and more than 14 years old if it is wheelchair accessible in this or any other country. Private hire vehicles cannot be licensed beyond 10 years of age and wheelchair accessible vehicles cannot be licensed beyond 15 years of age.
- With effect from January 2022 the Council shall not renew the licence of any vehicle if it is 10 or more years since the date of its first registration in this or any other country or 15 years or more for a wheelchair accessible vehicle..
Private Hire Vehicles – Additional testing
With affect from January 2022 all private hire vehicles that have reached the age of 3 years will be subject to an additional annual inspection, to take effect following the renewal date of the licence. Once the vehicle is 8 it will have three tests in all subsequent twelve-month licensed periods. Such tests to be undertaken four monthly intervals.
Emissions
With effect from 1 April 2011 emission tests will be carried out on all private hire vehicles at every mechanical inspection.
In relation to Private Hire Vehicles – Engine Type / Replacement
With effect from 16 February 2009, any vehicle that has been manufactured with a diesel engine that is Euro III or higher specification [manufactured after 1 January 2001] that has been fitted with a replacement engine that is not Euro III compliant will be required to have an approved emission reduction kit fitted. Any reduction kit must be fitted by the next routine scheduled vehicle inspection
Proprietors wishing to fit a emission reduction kit on a private hire vehicle should in the first instance seek advice from the licensing unit.