Agenda item

Report of the Director of Streetscene and Regulatory Services

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Streetscene and Regulatory Services that provided information to assess the requirement for Mercedes Vito Taxis to have the Low Speed Manoeuvrability System (LSMS) which the taxi trade had stated was not fit for purpose as it kept breaking down and was difficult and expensive to repair.

Under the Council’s Emissions Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles all the Mercedes Vito Taxis with the 180-degree turning circle would be phased out during 2024 when their licence expired as there were no current models being produced with the converters, Penso, going into liquidation. In 2024 renewal vehicles would have to be Zero Emission Capable and there was no model with that capability.

The report proposed that Euro 4 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles must have the Low Speed Manoeuvrability System decommissioned on safety grounds.  In addition, that Euro 5 and Euro 6 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles must have the Low Speed Manoeuvrability System decommissioned where Whitley Depot’s MOT testers identify faults.  Decommissioning must be undertaken by an approved agent of Mercedes Benz, to return the vehicle back to its original steering design.  This policy would apply to the current licensed fleet of Mercedes Benz Vito hackney carriage vehicles which comply with the London Conditions of Fitness of safety. Vehicles already registered would be allowed to continue to be licensed in line with other licensing requirements. Any new Euro 4 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles would no longer be licensed.  

The policy would apply to the current licensed fleet of Mercedes Benz Vito hackney carriage vehicles dispensing in the London Conditions of Fitness, as stipulated above, on the grounds of safety and supply. Any future Euro 4 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles will no longer be allowed to be licensed. 

Decommissioning must be by an approved agent of Mercedes Benz with the replacement of the rear wheel steer trailing arms with original Mercedes Benz rear suspension or trailing arm units (new ones).  Disposal of rear steering equipment including the button in the driver’s compartment (which should be replaced by a cover plate).  Complete disconnection and re-sealing of wiring so it cannot be used again.  The vehicle to have a full 4-wheel alignment.  That the vehicle proprietor provides the Council with documentary evidence that the work has been carried out as specified above. 

Appendices to the report detailed support from Unite and members of the trade to remove the requirement for the turning circle in Mercedes Vito HCVs and to show the cost of replacing the LSMS system.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member for City Services:

1)  Approves that Euro 4 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles must have the Low Speed Manoeuvrability System decommissioned on safety grounds.

2)  Approves that Euro 5 and Euro 6 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles must have the Low Speed Manoeuvrability System (LSMS) decommissioned where Whitley Depot’s MOT testers identify faults.

3)  Approves that decommissioning must be undertaken by an approved agent of Mercedes Benz, to return the vehicle back to its original steering design.

4)  Agrees that this policy will apply to the current licensed fleet of Mercedes Benz Vito hackney carriage vehicles which comply with the London Conditions of Fitness of safety. Vehicles already registered will be allowed to continue to be licensed in line with other licensing requirements.

5)  Agrees that any new Euro 4 Emission Mercedes Vito hackney carriage vehicles will no longer be licensed.