Taxi drivers in London will soon be required to endure two MoT tests per year as Transport for London changes outdated licensing rules next month.
The new taxi licensing system, which will commence to coincide with the changeover of the vehicle licensing and inspections service from SGS UK to NSL will require all vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles have passed two standard (Class 4) MOT tests per year from 1st March 2013.
In addition to the two MOT tests, NSL will carry out a taxi vehicle specific inspection on an annual basis prior to a licence being issued. This annual inspection will only be carried out where there is clear evidence that a standard MOT has been issued within the 14 day period, unless the vehicle is new.
The first MOT test must be issued no more than 14 days prior to the taxi licensing inspection and the second MOT test is to be issued six months from the date the taxi licence is granted.
Dean Cronshaw told TheChauffeur.com; “It’s about time too. Here in West Sussex, we have a normal MoT, and every six months a taxi / private hire test which is far more stringent than an MoT. Anything to keep junk vehicles off of the roads is most welcome.
John Mason, Director of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing at TfL said; “The six-monthly MOT tests help to ensure that taxi and private hire vehicles remain safe and road worthy for passengers and other road users.’
He added; “Please note as part of the transition to this new system it will not be possible to have a taxi licensing inspection between 14 and 28 February 2013. This period will be available for taxi re-tests only. All taxi vehicle licences due to expire within this period will need to be booked in for a licensing inspection before the 14 February, to ensure continual licensing.’
PLEASE NOTE: A HEADLINE WHICH APPEARED IN A RECENT NEWSLETTER SUGGESTED THIS NEW RULE FOR PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS. THIS IS NOT THE CASE AND WE WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGISE FOR ANY CONFUSION CAUSED.
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