EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO
The Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment and Use)
(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
SR 2010 No. 193
1. Introduction
1.1. This Explanatory Memorandum has been prepared by the Department of
the Environment to accompany the Statutory Rule (details above) which is
laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly.
1.2. The Statutory Rule is made under Articles 66(1) and 218(1) of the Road
Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and Articles 55(1) and 110(2) of the
Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and is subject to the negative
resolution procedure.
1.3. The rule is due to come into operation on 5 July 2010.
2. Purpose
2.1. The purpose of these Regulations is to amend the existing Public Service
Vehicle (PSV) legislation to allow left hand drive stretched limousines,
with eight seats or fewer, which currently do not meet the licensing
criteria, to be licensed as private hire taxis.
3. Background
3.1. The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 requires vehicles in
Northern Ireland which are used to carry passengers for reward to be
licensed as Public Service Vehicles. PSV licences are granted either for
taxis (vehicles up to 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver) or buses
(vehicles exceeding 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver). Left hand
drive (LHD) stretched limousines fall into both groups and there are
differing legal requirements in terms of vehicle construction for each of
these groups to be licensed. This proposal deals only with LHD stretched
limousines seating up to 8 passengers. The larger LHD stretched
limousines are outside the scope of the current proposals.
3.2. Many LHD stretched limousines imported into Northern Ireland (NI) are
from the USA where the legislation governing their construction and use is
significantly different.
3.3.
In NI, LHD stretched limousines can be used for personal or private
transport but all vehicles, including LHD stretched limousines, which
carry passengers