Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy 2021 to 2026

Exceptionally well-maintained interior

• all seats to be of manufacturer's original design (unless a rotating seat is fitted) should all match and be securely fitted no dirt, stains, holes or tears. No loose covers allowed
• front and rear (where fitted) seat belts should be clean and in good working order and condition. All anchorage point covers should be properly fitted and match original trim
• all panels should be clean, properly fitted and match original trim
• carpets should be as manufacturer's original, clean with no stains or holes and securely fitted
• all instrument and accessory covers to be securely fitted and match original trim
• headlining to be clean, free from stains, holes and tears and be as originally fitted
• all window winder handles to be as originally fitted, clean and easy to operate
• all door handles and arm rests to be secure, clean and as originally fitted
• brake, clutch and accelerator pedal rubbers to be fitted and in good condition
• the inside of the vehicle should be free from loose or trailing wires
• the boot should be tidy with a clean, unstained carpet/cover to manufacturer's specification. All panelling should be secure, clean and in good condition
• in hatchback vehicles the boot cover should be to original specifications, in good condition with both lifting straps fitted. A cargo guard should also be fitted in estate vehicles
• gear lever gaiters (where fitted) should be to manufacturer's specifications, in good condition and properly fitted
• a rear-view mirror must be properly fitted and in good condition
• all manufacturers fittings should be as original (i.e. speaker covers, etc.)
• all lights should be in proper working order with appropriate covers securely fitted
• window locks and handles, where provided by the manufacturer, should be in good working order

Exceptionally well-maintained exterior

• all bodywork to be clean and sound, free from rust, dents, scrapes, significant scratches or loose panels
• all paintwork to be in first class condition - no "egg-shell" finish, or different shades or colours on either external or interior areas which are visible to the public
• all wheel trims to be fitted according to manufacturer's specifications and to match
• aerials where fitted to be in good condition and free from rust
• door or wing mirrors to be in good condition, no broken glass or surrounds
• front and rear number plates to be clean, clear and unbroken
• front and rear bumpers to be in first class condition, no rust, dents, scrapes (including any over-riders and end surrounds) and should be securely fitted
• mud flaps (if fitted) should be maintained
• no broken or missing glass or surrounds on all front and rear lights and indicators (including repeater indicators where fitted)
• radiator grills should be secure and of original specification
• front and rear (where fitted) windscreen wiper heads and arms should be in good condition, free from rust and properly fitted
• door and boot locks should be fitted and in good working order
• doors should be easily opened and closed from the outside and inside
• all door handles should be properly fitted, easily operated and of original colour specification
• a spare wheel, which conforms to legal requirements, should be provided and properly fitted in the vehicle
• all tyres should conform to legal requirements