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Taxi Lengths


Following a query, the issues surrounding the length restriction of 4.73 metres in the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness) Regulations were researched. The length of 4.73 metres as prescribed in regulation 29(2) of the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (SR 1995 No.447) is a metrication of the length of 15 feet 6 inches prescribed in regulation 57 of the Public Service Vehicles (Construction) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1960 (SR & O 1960 No.91), which were revoked by the 1995 Regulations.
The maximum length of 15 feet 6 inches was first prescribed by the Public Service Vehicles (Construction) Regulations 1927 (SR &O 1927 No.87) for all PSVs seating not more than six passengers. The 1927 Regulations were replaced by the Public Service Vehicles (Construction) Regulations 1932 (SR &O 1932 No.68) in which the length of 15 feet 6 inches was applied only to PSVs seating not more than six passengers standing or plying for hire in the City of Belfast. The 1932 Regulations were revoked and replaced by the aforementioned 1960 Regulations.
The 4.73m taxi length restriction, 15 ft 6 inches before metrication, is an historical one dating back to 1927. We intend to go out to consult on increasing the length to 5 metres, and if there are no significant objections, would propose to go ahead and amend the regulations increasing the length to 5 metres.