Conditions of Fitness

Conditions of Fitness
A London Taxi Company TX4 taxi, designed to conform with the Conditions of Fitness.

The Conditions of Fitness set out the requirements for vehicles that may be used as licensed Hackney carriage taxi cabs in London. They are governed by Transport for London's Taxi and Private Hire office (formerly the Public Carriage office). They are what makes London's taxis unique in the world

Rules governing London's horse cabs had been in existence in one form or another since the seventeenth century, but the first Conditions of Fitness specifically written for motor cabs were introduced in May 1906 by the then licensing authority, the Public Carriage Office, which was part of the Metropolitan Police. They were written under the guidance of W. Worby Beaumont, who was recommended to the Public Carriage Office by Lord Montague of Beaulieu. As well as laying down the 25 ft turning circle, they also demanded a 10-inch ground clearance. These regulations remained virtually unaltered until 1927, when they were reviewed, and the ground clearance relaxed to 7 inches. A demand for the turning circle to be relaxed to 35 ft was refused. The rules received minor changes to fit in with the changes in motor vehicle design, but a second major review was launched by the government after the turmoil surrounding the introduction of the minicab. The status quo was maintained, although the demand for a seprate chassis was done away with.

In 2002, the Conditions of Fitness, or more specifically the turning circle was challenged by a group of people who were adapting existing commercial vehicles into wheelchair accessible taxis for the provincial market. They wanted to enter the London market and argued that, with modern power steering the turning circle, which was a barrier to their entry was no longer necessary. The review found once more in favour of the status quo, but this decision was challenged and a Judicial Review set up. After a protracted study, the PCO again found that the turning circle was essential to maintain mobility. The current conditions have been applicable since 1 January 2007 [1]

The conditions require that all vehicles manufactured for use as licensed taxi cabs in London must be inspected for compliance with the standard before use. They regulate compliance with general UK and European vehicle standards and with specific design requirements including access to the vehicle, dimensions and layout, manoeuvrability, visibility and equipment.

Amongst the main requirements are the need for separate passenger and driver compartments, high internal headroom, a ramp for wheelchair user access and the ability to turn through 180° on either lock between two walls 8.535 m (28 ft) apart to minimise the impact of the many taxis operating in the city on other road users.[1][note 1]

Two vehicle models comply with the current conditions: the London Taxi Company TX4 and the taxi variant of the Mercedes-Benz Vito.[3]

Notes

  1. ^ In a 2005 study carried out when reviewing the turning circle requirement, Transport for London calculated that London cabs make 50 million U-turns and 90 million tight turns per year.[2]

References




Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • London Conditions of Fitness — The London Conditions of Fitness are governed by the Public Carriage Office (PCO), part of Transport for London (TfL) and set out the requirements for vehicles that may be used as taxi cabs in London, UK.; As at March 2007: Only one vehicle in… …   Wikipedia

  • Fitness First — is one of the largest health and fitness provider in the world, second in number of clubs only to Gold s Gym and third in memberships only to 24 hour fitness and Gold s Gym, with clubs in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Middle East and the …   Wikipedia

  • Fitness-Car — Vélomobile à pédalage constant Le vélomobile à pédalage constant est un concept mis au point par Daniel Couque et Jean Thevenet, de l association ADV qui ont construit plusieurs prototypes, sous le nom de Fitness Car . Il s agit d une vélomobile… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Physical fitness — can be achieved through physical exercise. Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness(a state of health and well being), and specific fitness (a task oriented definition based on the ability to perform specific aspects of… …   Wikipedia

  • Social influences on fitness behavior — Physical fitness is maintained by a range of physical activities. Human factors and social influences are important in starting and maintaining such activities. Social environments can influence motivation and persistence, through pressures… …   Wikipedia

  • Duke Diet and Fitness Center — Established in 1969, the Duke Diet and Fitness Center is one of America s longest running treatment centers for individuals who struggle with excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and associated health problems. The center is designed for adults… …   Wikipedia

  • General fitness training — works towards broad goals of overall health and well being, rather than narrow goals of sport competition, larger muscles or concerns over appearance. A regular moderate workout regimen and healthy diet can improve general appearance markers of… …   Wikipedia

  • The Fitness of the Environment — is a book written by Lawrence Joseph Henderson. In the book, Henderson discusses the importance of water and the environment with a respect to living things. The main thesis of the book is that life depends entirely on the very specific… …   Wikipedia

  • List of Statutory Instruments of the United Kingdom, 2007 — This is an incomplete list of Statutory Instruments of the United Kingdom in 2007. NOTOC 1 100* Cider and Perry and Wine and Made wine (Amendment) Regulations 2007 S.I. 2007/4 * Customs and Excise (Personal Reliefs for Special Visitors)… …   Wikipedia

  • List of Statutory Instruments of the United Kingdom, 1989 — NOTOC This is a complete list of all 1534 Statutory Instruments published in the United Kingdom in the year 1989.1 100* Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Commencement No. 5) Order 1989 S.I. 1989/1 * Food Protection (Emergency Prohibitions) (Wales)… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”