Minibuses can be used as taxis
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THE 1983 Transport Act means that eight-seat minibuses and cars will be able to be licensed as taxis and used to carry passengers at separate fares on local services, provided they meet specifications laid down by the district councils or other authorities responsible for taxis.
Alternatively, eight-seat cars will still be able to be certified and used as PSVs when operated by a PSV licence holder. The charges in the taxi control regulations come into force on January 6.
The Act preserves the right of district councils to impose quantity controls on the taxis in their areas, but licences may only be refused if they are satisfied that there is no significant unsatisfied demand for taxis in an area.
A Department of Transport circular to local authorities on the Transport Act makes it clear that it sees potentially undesirable effects if the number of taxis is limited.
The Act also gives a licence applicant the right to appeal to a magistrates' court.
The Act does not (as stated in CM, December 7, p43) in any way change the Construction and Use regulations governing minibuses although it does introduce new vehicle definitions.
A bus is a vehicle adapted to carry more than eight passengers, a large bus is a vehicle carrying more than 16 passengers and a small bus is a vehicle designed to carry nine to 15 passengers.
Permits for minibuses used by charity organisations will now also be available for recreation purposes.
Local authorities will only be able to issue permits for small buses (under 16 seats).
Organisations operating larger buses will have to apply to the Traffic Commissioner for permits and the Commissioner will have to be satisfied that they have made adequate vehicle maintenance arrangements,