Website uses JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for the best experience.

Skip to main content
✖

Vehicle requirements for Passenger Transport Operators

Vehicle requirements for Passenger Transport Operators

Standards for safety, cleanliness, emissions, comfort, and legal compliance.

The set of general requirements a vehicle must meet in order to transport passengers.

Licensing requirements

The operation of non-taxi licensed vehicles with 8 or less seats as a PSV licensed vehicle (even where accepted by the Traffic Commissioner under the '10% rule') is not permitted on any call-off contract.

Community transport operators must be appropriately licensed and either have or be working towards the Community Transport Association 'Quality Mark'.

Vehicle requirements

Information about each type of requirement for a vehicle:

Maintenance and appearance

The council does not require vehicles to comply with maximum vehicle age standards. However, it expects vehicles to have a good exterior appearance with no signs of damage or corrosion. Interiors must also be in good condition, with clean upholstery, linings, seats, and floor coverings showing no excessive wear.

Vehicles must be maintained in roadworthy condition and follow a written maintenance and inspection regime. This must meet the standards in the latest edition of the 'Guide to maintaining roadworthiness' by the Vehicle and Driver Standards Agency (VDSA).

Engine Emission Standards

Unless otherwise agreed for a particular call-off contract, vehicles are subject to a minimum vehicle emission standard of Euro V. This is mandatory on all contracts starting after Easter 2020.

Signage

  • display the operator's name prominently; vehicle branding and livery will be in the name of the operator or (in the case of licensed taxis) not be misleading in any way
  • clearly display the transport route number as detailed in the call off contract
  • depending on the vehicle size, be provided with reflective school bus signs (Geneva sign) for display at the front and rear of the vehicle whilst operating school journeys

Seating capacity

Meet the stated minimum seating capacity stated in the call-off contract. If an operator wishes to use a vehicle with a reduced seating capacity, this must be agreed first with the council.

Temperature

Be equipped with a heating system which can achieve a temperature of 10ºc within 15 minutes of starting up the vehicle and 15ºc after 30 minutes of starting up the vehicle, and with an air circulation system which can maintain the temperature at a comfortable level in warm conditions.

Cleanliness

Be kept in a clean and well-maintained condition free inside of fumes and excess of noise. Internally, the vehicle should be swept and tidied after every operating day and subjected to a comprehensive cleaning regime at least once every 6 weeks.

Emergency equipment

Be provided with an approved and fully serviced fire extinguisher appropriate to the vehicle type, and a fully equipped First Aid Kit.

Winter tyres

Be equipped with winter tyres when operating in winter conditions. Winter conditions are defined as: ice, snow, slush and frost.

Seat belts

For the avoidance of doubt, seatbelts must be fitted to contracted school bus services including those which are also registered with the traffic commissioner to carry fare paying passengers.

CCTV

Be equipped with CCTV. This is applicable on all vehicles with 22 passenger seats upwards and is mandatory on all contracts let from Easter 2020 onwards.