AUTHORISED TAXI INSPECTION STATION ATIS

Transcription

1 AUTHORISED TAXI INSPECTION STATION ATIS MANUAL OF INSPECTION STANDARDS FOR TAXI-CABS ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES November 2012 Page 1 of 31

2 Definitions Introduction - General 1.01 About this Manual 1.02 Where to get advice 1.03 Failure to comply with procedures or standards 1.04 Taxi operator s right of appeal Procedural Standards 2.01 Registration renewal process 2.02 Routine inspection process 2.03 Plate transfer process Inspection Standards 3.01 Appearance and presentation Exterior Inspection Standards 4.01 Check maximum age of taxi 4.02 Check number of doors 4.03 Inspect exterior of vehicle 4.04 Inspect network decal signs 4.05 Inspect the windows 4.06 Inspect and operate the roof sign 4.07 Inspect and operate the vacancy lamp 4.08 Check and operate the surcharge lamp Interior Inspection Standards 5.01 Check seat numbers and rear legroom 5.02 Check wheelchair space in station wagon WAT 5.03 Check wheelchair space in non-station wagon WAT 5.04 Check compliance with WAT requirements 5.05 Check seats 5.06 Check seat covers 5.07 Check floor coverings 5.08 Check for interior information signs 5.09 Check operation of interior lights 5.10 Check window winding mechanisms 5.11 Inspect the interior, including the boot 5.12 Check air conditioning 5.13 Check prohibited communication devices 5.14 Check inspection label 5.15 Check child restraint anchorage bolt 5.16 Check fitting of a receiver Page 2 of 31

3 Taxi-meters Alarms 6.01 Introduction 6.02 Check distance rate 6.03 Check flag fall and waiting time rates 6.04 Meter seals 7.01 Introduction 7.02 Visually check for an alarm 7.03 Alarm system certification Boot Release Devices 8.01 Introduction 8.02 Inspect and check operation of device Vehicle Tracking Devices 9.01 Introduction 9.02 Vehicle tracking device certification Driver Protection Screens Introduction Installation Security Camera Systems Introduction Common features Security camera certification Safety Equipment Requirements Table 1: Mandatory Certificates Table 2: Emergency Equipment Annexure A Authorised Taxi Networks Annexure B Passenger Transport Regulation 2007 Page 3 of 31

4 Definitions approved means complying with requirements established for the time being by the Director-General by order published in the Gazette. approved driver protection screen means a screen that is designed to protect the driver of a taxi-cab from attack from behind by other persons in the taxi-cab. approved duress alarm system, in relation to a public passenger vehicle, means a system by which the driver of the vehicle can, in a discreet manner, notify the location of the vehicle to another person or place. Refer to Taxi Security System Specifications. approved security camera system means a system that records images of persons in or about a taxi-cab. Refer to Taxi Security System Specifications. approved vehicle tracking device means a device by which the whereabouts of a taxi-cab can be followed by means of the vehicle tracking system operated by the taxi-cab network to which the taxi-cab is connected. Refer to Taxi Security System Specifications. Authorised officer includes a person authorised by the Delegate of Transport for NSW for the purposes of the Passenger Transport Act 1990 and Passenger Transport Regulation 2007, and also includes a police officer. authorised taxi-cab inspection station means premises: that are authorised pursuant to a regulation under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1997 for use for the purpose of conducting inspections and tests of registrable vehicles, and at which there works a motor mechanic who is authorised by the Director- General to inspect, test and assess taxi-cabs for compliance with the Manual of Inspection Standards for Taxi-Cabs child restraint means a child restraint that complies with the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standard called Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles and numbered AS/NZS 1754:2004, published on 8 November 2004 by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, as amended by Amendment 1 published on 29 December damaged includes broken, bent, dented, scratched or stained. driver s authority card means an authority card issued under clause 31 of the Passenger Transport Regulation Manual of Inspection Standards for Taxi-Cabs means the document of that name as in force on 1 September 2007 and that is available from Roads and Maritime Services. maxi-cab means a taxi-cab that has seating accommodation for 6 or more adult persons in addition to the driver. Page 4 of 31

5 Non Compliance Notice (NCN) means, for the purposes of this Manual, issuing the white copy of the taxi-inspection report stating that the vehicle failed to comply with the standards in this Manual to the operator. The vehicle cannot be used as public passenger vehicle after the expiry date of the notice unless the repairs needed are cleared by an ATIS authorised examiner. Non-Compliance Label (NCL) means a label affixed to the vehicle by an authorised officer indicating that the vehicle does not meet the standards for the condition of vehicles (cl. 17) and on-roads standards (cl. 125). A NCL should only be removed by an authorised officer if he/she is satisfied that the action specified in the NCL has been taken. registration number has the same meaning as it has in the regulations made under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act RMS means the Roads and Maritime Services of New South Wales. stand-by taxi-cab means a motor vehicle being operated in place of a taxi-cab that is out of operation while undergoing repair or service. station-wagon includes a station-wagon that has been modified. The Act means the Passenger Transport Act Transport district means a transport district referred to in section 108 of the Transport Administration Act Taxis licensed under the Passenger Transport Act, operating in the Metropolitan, Newcastle and Wollongong transport districts display T series number plates. Urban area means an area that the Director-General from time to time specifies, by notice published in the Gazette under section 60A of the Act, as an urban area in respect of taxi-cab fares. WAT means a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab. Western Division means the Western Division of New South Wales as defined by the Crown Lands legislation (being approximately that part of the State west of a line joining Mungindi, Collarenebri, Walgett, Coolabah, Canbelego, Gunebang, Euabalong, Hillston, Booligal, Oxley and Balranald). Wheelchair accessible taxi-cab means a taxi-cab that has wheelchair access. Introduction - General 1.01 About this Manual This Manual of Inspection Standards for Taxi-cabs contains procedures and inspection standards which apply to the operation of all licensed taxi-cabs (including maxi-cabs, wheelchair accessible taxis and stand-by taxis). These standards are to be followed by authorised examiners at Authorised Taxi Inspection Stations (ATISs) at annual registration inspection times, plate transfers and at every other routine inspection. Clauses referred to relate to the Passenger Transport Regulation (Annexure B ) Page 5 of 31

6 1.02 Where to get advice From time to time examiners will encounter situations that may not be covered by this Manual, ATIS Bulletins or the Rules for Authorised Inspection Stations. In cases that involve this Manual, advice should be obtained from the Manager, Compliance, Roads and Maritime Services, Parramatta, phone number In cases that involve the Rules for Authorised Inspection Stations, advice should be obtained by phoning RMS Technical Enquiries on Failure to comply with procedures or standards Roads and Maritime Services may be notified by an ATIS examiner of breaches of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1997 and Regulations and the Passenger Transport Act 1990 and Regulations by a taxi operator. Continued breaches may result in action against a taxi operator s accreditation Taxi operator s right of appeal If operators disagree with the repairs needed found by the examiner, they have the right of appeal. The system for appeal is as follows: i) if the examiner and operator cannot settle their differences with the alleged defects found; ii) iii) iv) the operator advises Roads and Maritime Services of the discrepancy; Roads and Maritime Services may arrange for an independent inspection (the cost of which will be at the operator s expense) at another ATIS and/or Roads and Maritime Services authorised officers. if the second inspection supports the first inspection, the operator must comply, if it does not Roads and Maritime Services will adjudicate on the matter. If it is found that an ATIS Examiner or Proprietor has neglected their responsibilities, then Roads and Maritime Services may take action against the examiners authorisation. Page 6 of 31

7 Procedural Standards 2.01 Registration Renewal Process (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) The accredited operator is issued with a renewal notice by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) The operator prepares the vehicle for inspection and obtains the mandatory Certificates required (refer Table 1 page 21). Where applicable the certificates must be presented to the ATIS authorised examiner for sighting, and form part of the vehicle s inspection. All taxis operating in a transport district or on the Central Coast must have vehicle tracking devices. The operator presents the vehicle to any Authorised Taxi Inspection Station (ATIS) for inspection and pays the relevant inspection fee/s. If the vehicle complies with both RMS Quality Standards for Taxi-cabs and Authorised Inspection Station Safety Check Standards, two inspection reports (AIS and ATIS) will be issued. Upon successful completion of the inspection, the ATIS authorised examiner will attach two inspection labels to the vehicle. The first will be attached to either the top left-hand corner or bottom left-hand corner of the vehicle s windscreen. The examiner will also attach the second inspection label to the same position on the inside of the vehicle s windscreen so that both inspection labels are back to back. The operator goes to any RMS Motor Registry and presents the renewal notice, both inspection reports (AIS and ATIS) and CTP green slip, and pays the registration renewal fees. The operator takes the registration certificate, the AIS and ATIS inspection reports, plus the mandatory certificates (if applicable), to the operator s taxi network. A network inspection record form is created with a copy of the reports/certificates referred to in (g) above. The form shows the due dates for the routine inspections. A copy of this document is given to the operator. No further reminder notices for routine inspections of the vehicle will be issued to the operator. The taxi network may file the record form for preparation of a renewal notice in 4 months time for taxis operating in transport districts (displaying T plates), at 12 monthly intervals for taxis operating in the Western Division (displaying TC plates) and at 6 monthly intervals for taxis operating in other areas (displaying TC plates) Routine Inspection Process The accredited operator is responsible for presenting the taxi for routine inspection every 4 months for taxis operating in transport districts (displaying T plates),every 12 months for taxis operating in the Western Division (displaying TC plates) and at 6 monthly intervals for taxis operating in other areas (displaying TC plates) after the registration date. Upon the presentation of the registration certificate to the operator s taxi network a record form will be issued showing the due dates for routine inspections. The operator prepares the vehicle for inspection and obtains the mandatory Certificates required (refer Table 1 page 21). Where applicable the certificates must be presented to the ATIS authorised examiner for sighting, Page 7 of 31

8 (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) and form part of the vehicle s inspection. All taxis operating in a transport district or on the Central Coast must have vehicle tracking devices. The operator presents the vehicle to any ATIS for inspection and pays the relevant inspection fee. If the vehicle complies with both RMS Quality Standards for Taxi-cabs and Authorised Inspection Station Safety Check Standards, two inspection reports (AIS and ATIS) will be issued. Upon successful completion of the inspection, the ATIS authorised examiner will attach two inspection labels to the vehicle. The first will be attached to either the top left-hand corner or bottom left-hand corner of the vehicle s windscreen. The examiner will also attach the second inspection label to the same position on the inside of the vehicle s windscreen so that both inspection labels are back to back. The operator takes the signed AIS and ATIS reports, plus the mandatory certificates (if applicable), to the operator s taxi network. The network retains the signed AIS and ATIS inspection reports. The operator s copy of the registration record form is marked to indicate that the vehicle has been inspected. The taxi network records are marked to indicate the vehicle has been inspected Plate Transfer Process (to other vehicle) The operator prepares the vehicle for inspection and obtains the mandatory Certificates required (refer Table 1 page 21). Where applicable he certificates must be presented to the ATIS authorised examiner for sighting, and form part of the vehicle s inspection. All taxis operating in a transport district or on the Central Coast must have vehicle tracking devices. The operator must obtain an AUVIS report from an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection Station (AUVIS) and an ATIS report from an Authorised Taxi Inspection Station (ATIS) and pay the relevant inspection fees. There are stations that are both AUVIS and ATIS accredited. If the vehicle complies with both RMS Quality Standards for Taxi-cabs and Authorised Inspection Station Safety Check Standards, two inspection reports (AUVIS and ATIS) will be issued. (d) Upon successful completion of the inspection, the ATIS authorised examiner will attach an inspection label to either the top left-hand corner or bottom lefthand corner of the vehicles windscreen. The examiner will also attach the second inspection label to the same position on the inside of the vehicles windscreen so that both inspection labels are back to back. (e) The operator presents to an RMS motor registry: the certificate of registration and/or application for registration, AUVIS and ATIS reports, CTP green slip and pays annual registration and transfer fees. (f) The operator takes the registration certificate, the signed AUVIS and ATIS inspection reports, plus the mandatory certificates (if applicable), to the operator s taxi network. (g) A network inspection record form is created with a copy of the registration certificate. The form shows the due dates for the routine inspections at 4 monthly intervals for taxis operating in transport districts (displaying T plates), at 12 monthly intervals for taxis operating in the Western Division (displaying TC plates) and at 6 monthly intervals for taxis operating in other Page 8 of 31

9 (h) areas (displaying TC plates). A copy of this document is given to the operator. No further reminder notices for routine inspections of the vehicle will be issued to the operator. The taxi network may file the record form for preparation of a renewal notice. Inspection Standards 3.01 Appearance and presentation (d) (e) (f) This section contains inspection standards for all taxi-cabs including stand-by taxi-cabs set by Roads and Maritime Services under the Passenger Transport Regulation Vehicles that do not meet designated comfort or quality standards will be rejected. Vehicles can be rejected where parts of the vehicle are missing, broken, disconnected, inoperable, unserviceable or dirty. The vehicle cannot be used as a public passenger vehicle unless the problem has been fixed and cleared by the ATIS Repairs must be cleared at the ATIS where the NCN was issued. At the completion of an inspection of a taxi, ALL repairs needed should be taken into account when determining the length of time for repairs to be carried out. Quality Standards for the parts, equipment and fittings on the exterior of a taxi-cab, are set out in the section Exterior - Inspection Standards. Quality Standards for parts, equipment and fittings in the interior of a taxi-cab, are set out in the section Interior - Inspection Standards. Exterior Inspection Standards 4.01 Check maximum age of taxi (cl. 110) a standard taxi-cab or a maxi-cab operating in the Metropolitan Transport District is more than 6 years and 6 months old according to the vehicle s date of manufacture shown on its compliance plate; a standard taxi-cab or a maxi-cab operating outside the Metropolitan Transport District is more than 8 years and 6 months old according to the vehicle s date of manufacture shown on its compliance plate; a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab is more 10 years and 6 months old according to the vehicle s date of manufacture shown on its compliance plate Check number of doors (cll. 17,109 (3)) Reason for rejection: a standard taxi-cab has less than 4 side doors. Page 9 of 31

10 NOTE: A wheelchair accessible taxi or maxi-taxi is not subject to these door restrictions. any door check strap is broken or missing Inspect exterior of vehicle (cll. 17, 122, 123) the taxi is not painted in the livery approved for the relevant network; (d) dirty or damaged exterior, including the body, door panels, bumper bars, trim, wheels and network decals. insecure or misaligned body panels Registration numbers, corresponding to the registration number of the taxi-cab, not displayed on upper half of both front guards in 50mm high lettering and positioned as far back as possible Inspect network decal signs (cll. 17, 122) Reason for rejection: Network decal signs not securely fitted to both front doors. any other relevant network decal signs additional to those mounted on the front door of the taxi-cab are not fitted Inspect the windows (cl. 17) Reason for rejection: windows dirty. damaged or peeling window tint Inspect and operate the roof sign (cll. 17, 121) the roof sign is missing; the roof sign is not: i) made of opaque plastic or other substance approved by the Director-General, ii) enclosing a lamp capable of showing a white light, iii) showing on the front and back the word TAXI in black capital letters at least 70mm in height; (d) the roof sign lamp does not light when the taxi is available for hire. the roof sign is damaged or faded. Page 10 of 31

11 4.07 Inspect and operate the vacancy lamp (cl. 121) the vacancy lamp is missing or not positioned on top of the roof sign; the vacancy lamp does not show an amber light; the amber light is not clearly visible in daylight at a distance of 40 metres; (d) (e) the vacancy lamp does not light when the taxi is available for hire. the vacancy lamp is damaged or faded Check and operate the surcharge lamp of taxis operating in urban areas (cl.121) the surcharge lamp is missing or not positioned on the rear face of the roof sign (or other approved position); the surcharge lamp does not show a red light within an arc of 90 to the rear of the taxi; the red light is not clearly visible in daylight at a distance of 40 metres; (d) the surcharge lamp lights up when the taxi-meter displays Tariff 1. (e) the surcharge lamp is damaged or faded. NOTE: A taxi-cab fitted with a Digitax 1, Digitax 2, Novax Leda, or Cabcharge XUS 6000 taxi-meter, operating in automatic tariff change mode, and showing at the approved times by illuminated display on its facia, the words DAY or NIGHT, is not subject to para but, if such a taxi-cab is fitted with a surcharge lamp, whether operational or not, it should be rejected. Interior 5.01 Check number of seats and rear legroom (cl. 109) a standard taxi-cab has less than 5 or more than 12 adult seating positions (including the driver); Page 11 of 31

12 a maxi-cab has less than 7 adult seating positions (including the driver); the distance between the back of one seat and the front of the one behind it is less than 180 mm (ignoring any driver protection screen that may be installed). NOTE: A wheelchair accessible taxi is not subject to or above Check area of station-wagon WAT designed to carry wheelchair passengers (cl. 109 (10)) Reason for rejection: There is a side-facing seat (whether fixed or folding) in the wheelchair area 5.03 Check area of non-station-wagon taxi (licensed as a WAT) designed to carry wheelchair passengers (cl. 109 (11)) there is a fixed (non-folding) seat installed in the wheelchair area; a folding seat does not have a mechanism that holds the seat securely in place when it is folded Check compliance with WAT requirements a child restraint (not being more than 10 years old) is not fitted; (cl 108) ramp or hoist platform or wheelchair doorway is less than 800 mm wide; wheelchair doorway height is less than 1,400 mm high (or less than 1,500 mm if first used as a WAT on or after the 1st October, 2011); (d) interior head height is less than 1,410 mm in the wheelchair space (or less than 1,500 mm if first used as a WAT on or after the 1st October, 2011); (e) wheelchair restraining devices are not present or not functional for each wheelchair allocated space available; (f) ramp (if required) is not carried or not functional; (g) hoist (if fitted) does not function properly; (h) hydraulic hoist (if fitted) is leaking hydraulic fluid; Page 12 of 31

13 (i) any other problem that would prevent safe wheelchair access to, or carriage by, the taxi-cab Check seats (cl. 17) Reason for rejection: dirty, damaged or insecure. (d) seat cushions collapsed. seat squabs loose head restraints missing or damaged 5.06 Check seat covers (cl. 17) Reason for rejection: dirty or damaged. poorly fitted or insecure Check floor coverings (cl. 17) Reason for rejection: dirty or damaged. original floor covering has been removed and not replaced with a floor covering equivalent to that of the original manufacturer. NOTE: This check is to be performed after removing any scatter mats Check for interior information signs indicating: (cl. 118) (d) (e) (f) (g) summary of hirer s rights and obligations; telephone number for complaints (or compliments); maximum fares and charges; maximum number of passengers; summary of rights and obligations of the driver; vehicle registration number; information displayed is incorrect. Page 13 of 31

14 any information missing; information not in a position that may be easily read by any passenger. current fare label not fitted 5.09 Check operation of interior lights (cl. 17) light covers broken or missing; lights not fully operational Check window winding mechanisms (cl. 17) handles or switches broken or missing; not fully operational Inspect the interior, including the boot (cll. 17) interior dirty or damaged; any missing or damaged trim panels, including scuff plates and kick panels. cabin not fitted with a driver s authority card holder. boot is dirty or any trim is missing or damaged roof lining dirty or damaged (this includes cargo area of station wagons) 5.12 Check air conditioning (cl. 116) Reason for rejection: not fully operational and in good repair. directional vents missing or broken 5.13 Check any fitting of prohibited communication devices (cll. 117, 125 (i)) Reason for rejection: Prohibited communication device/s fitted. Page 14 of 31

15 5.14 Check inspection label (cll. 119(2), 125 (l)) Reason for rejection: Label not affixed to the top left side or bottom left side of the windscreen Check child restraint anchorage bolt (cl. 120) not fitted with a bolt capable of securing any approved child restraint which is not more than 10 years old; bolt is not tight Check fitting of a receiver if vehicle is connected to a network (cl.125) Reason for rejection: Receiver not fitted. Taxi-meters (cl. 111, Schedule 2) 6.01 Introduction All taxi-cabs must be equipped with a taxi-meter. Set out below are the procedures and standards for testing taxi-meters. Meters must be checked and tested on ALL inspections. Taxi-cabs rejected for any reason relating to a taxi-meter must be issued a no time to repair non-compliance notice. In such instances the meter seals must be broken and removed Check distance rate (Schedule 2, Part 5) Reason for rejection: Meter fails to indicate the correct distance rate before the finish mark or after the 1% Slow mark. NOTE: This test must be checked over an approved test course. An approved test course requires a start mark, a finish mark and then a 1% Slow beyond the finish mark. The test is commenced with the vehicle stationary and its front wheels centred in line with the start mark. The meter is engaged on distance rate only and, immediately the vehicle is set in motion, it is driven over the course and, where possible, at a constant speed, without skidding or wheelspin or violent acceleration or deceleration, and avoiding divergences such as lane-changes or overtaking. As the vehicle approaches the finish mark the meter reading must be monitored and the point at which the authorised fare for the length of the testing course is first displayed must be noted. Page 15 of 31

16 6.03 Check the flag fall and waiting time rates (Schedule 2, Part 5) taxi-meter displays more than the authorised flag fall; taxi-meter indicates more than the authorised waiting time rate. NOTE: Procedures for checking the waiting time rate are as follows: i) the taxi-cab must be stationary; ii) the meter must then be started and a stopwatch set in motion; iii) the time (measured to the nearest second) taken for the meter to display a fare that is equivalent to the authorised fare for the length of the testing course must be noted Check the condition and presence of lead meter seals (cl. 111) taxi-meter is not lead sealed so as to prevent, without breaking the seal or sealing wire, any interference or tampering with the fare display, fare schedule or calibration adjustment; taxi-meter is not lead sealed so as to prevent, without breaking the seal or sealing wire, its removal from the taxi-cab; there is evidence that the taxi-meter seals or sealing wires have been tampered with or are broken. NOTE: One seal may be used if it performs the functions of and above. Alarms (cl. 112) 7.01 Introduction All taxi-cabs connected to a network must be equipped with a security device (alarm) capable of discreetly alerting the network of an emergency from anywhere within the taxi s licensed operating area. Any accredited taxi operator who requires further information about installation/repairs of an alarm should be advised to contact the manager of their taxi network. Provision for certification that the taxi s alarm has been checked and found satisfactory has been made on the inspection report for taxis. Page 16 of 31

17 (d) Taxi-cabs rejected for any reason relating to security devices will be issued a no time to repair non-compliance notice Visually check for an alarm Reason for rejection: No alarm fitted Check for the presentation of a valid alarm system certificate unable to demonstrate or provide evidence that alarm works; compliance certification does not indicate the taxi network concerned has tested the alarm within the preceding 14 days. NOTE: The one compliance certificate may be used to certify both the alarm and vehicle tracking device. Boot release devices (cl. 112) 8.01 Introduction All taxi-cabs that have a fully enclosed boot compartment must be equipped with an internal lock release device. This standard also applies to station wagons where the goods area is fitted with a cargo barrier. Any accredited taxi service operator who requires further information about installations of boot compartment release devices should be advised to contact the manager of their network. Taxi-cabs rejected for any reason relating to security devices must be issued a no time to repair non-compliance notice Inspect and check the operation of the internal boot compartment lock release device no mechanical release device fitted; (d) (e) mechanism is inoperative; does not have an easily accessible handle; does not have a distinctively coloured handle; release device can be rendered inoperable from outside the vehicle. Page 17 of 31

18 NOTE: This standard also applies to station wagons where the load area is fitted with a cargo barrier. Vehicle tracking devices (cl. 113) 9.01 Introduction This standard applies to taxi-cabs operating within a transport district or the Gosford or Wyong local government areas. (If a vehicle tracking device is fitted to a taxi-cab operating in another area the device must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer s specifications. NOTE: Vehicles must not be passed at the time of inspection unless they are installed with a functional and operational vehicle tracking device. Vehicles not fitted with such a tracking device should be issued a no time to repair non-compliance notice Check for the presentation of a valid vehicle tracking device certificate no compliance certificate tendered; compliance certification does not indicate the taxi network concerned has tested the tracking device within the preceding 14 days. NOTE: The one compliance certificate may be used to certify both the alarm and vehicle tracking device. A person cannot issue a compliance certificate in respect of any device or equipment in a taxi-cab driven or operated by that person. Driver protection screens (cl. 115) Introduction This standard applies to any taxi-cab fitted with a driver protection screen, even though it is not required. If a driver protection screen is fitted to a taxi-cab it must comply with the specification published by the Director-General and must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer s requirements. Page 18 of 31

19 10.02 Inspect the installation of an approved driver protection screen (d) (e) (f) no marking on screen stating compliance with RTA technical specification No. 144; screen is cracked; the screen has been modified after installation by drilling holes in it; the screen is not securely mounted or its retaining fasteners are missing; any part of the screen or its mounting has sharp edges that could cause injury; the clear section of the screen is scratched and/or deteriorated, such that the driver s vision through the screen is compromised (this applies to crazing or discolouration of the screen s clear material); (g) screen design is such that rear vision is distorted when using the internal rear view mirror, and the vehicle does not have an external rear vision mirror attached to the vehicle. Security camera systems (cl. 114, Schedule 1) Introduction Vehicles must not be passed at the time of inspection unless they are installed with a functional and operational security camera system. Vehicles not fitted with such a camera system should be issued with a no time to repair non-compliance notice Common features There are several different brands of security camera systems fitted in taxis in New South Wales. The following features are common among all compliant systems: at least one camera mounted inside the vehicle in the area of the windscreen (usually near the mirror) looking back into the vehicle. In addition to this camera, some systems may include a second camera inside the vehicle; (d) one external camera providing a view of any person standing at or near the driver s door/window and one external camera providing a view of any person standing at or near the front passenger s door/window; driver controls (button and indicator lights) visible to the driver; a control box (in some cases the control box may not be readily visible) Page 19 of 31

20 11.03 Check Security Camera System Reasons for rejection (d) (e) (f) (g) no compliance certificate is tendered for a taxi operating in a transport district or the local government areas of Gosford or Wyong. compliance certification does not indicate that the camera has been tested within the preceding 14 days for a taxi operating in a transport district or the local government areas of Gosford or Wyong; camera indicator light does not flash green at least ten times when any door is opened on a taxi; system not designed and installed so as to be easily tested by an authorised officer if installed before the 1st July, 2010, e.g. download socket not readily accessible. conspicuous signs not fitted outside and inside the taxi-cab visible from all approaches and seating positions advising persons near or in the taxicab that they will be photographed and that their conversation may be recorded; the field of view of any camera head shall not be obscured or capable of being obscured. condensation in any camera lens and / or damage to any camera head For vehicles first registered as a taxi-cab on or after 1 July 2010: (i) two externally mounted camera are not mounted, one must be mounted on each side of the vehicle to view any person approaching the driver s and front passenger s window. (ii) two alarm switches are not provided: One must be mounted on the dashboard, right side of the steering column and not in direct vision of any passenger. The second must be mounted on the left side of the driver s foot well. NOTE: A person cannot issue a compliance certificate in respect of any device or equipment in a taxi-cab driven or operated by that person. Page 20 of 31

21 SAFETY RELATED DEFECTS Examiners should be aware of the requirements of ATIS Bulletin ATIS Bulletin 7 requires that: should an ATIS examiner identify mechanical repairs relating to the safe use of a taxi e.g. (stop lights inoperative, safety related suspension, steering, brake repairs or tyres insufficient tread) the examiner may give a direction to the operator/driver that the vehicle cannot be used as a Public Passenger Vehicle until the safety related repairs are rectified and cleared by the examiner. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS The following tables specify Mandatory Certificates and the minimum Mandatory Safety Equipment for taxis presenting for inspection. These tables are to be used in conjunction with the Inspection Standards. Table 1: Mandatory Certificates Area of operation Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast Country NSW (attached to a Network ) Country NSW (not attached to a Network ) Certificates required Security Camera Duress Alarm / Vehicle Tracking Device (can be one certificate) Duress Alarm Nil Table 2: Mandatory Safety Equipment Area of operation Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast Country NSW (attached to a Network) Country NSW (not attached to a Network) Emergency Equipment required Security Camera Duress Alarm / Vehicle Tracking Device Emergency Boot Release Security Camera Duress Alarm Emergency Boot Release Security Camera Emergency Boot Release NOTE: Driver protection screens can still be fitted but must meet the requirements of section and Page 21 of 31

22 ANNEXURE A AUTHORISED TAXI NETWORKS SYDNEY ABC Radio Taxi Co-Op Ltd G M Cabs Legion Cabs (Trading) Co-Operative Society Ltd MACT Network Pty Ltd - (T/A) Lime Taxis Manly Warringah Cabs (Trading) Co-Op Society Ltd Premier Radio Cabs Pty Ltd RSL Ex-Servicemen Cabs Co-Op Members Ltd Silver Service Pty Ltd South Western Cabs (Radio Room) Pty Ltd St George Cabs Co-Op Ltd* Taxis Combined Services Trading Society Ltd Yellow Cabs Of Sydney Pty Ltd AREA Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney Sydney OUTSIDE SYDNEY AREA Aerial Group Pty Ltd Queanbeyan A & H Radio Cabs Co-Op Ltd Tumut Albury Radio Taxis Co-Op Society Ltd Albury Armidale Radio Taxis Cooperative Ltd Armidale Ballina Taxi Cabs Incorporating Erolost P/L Ballina Bathurst Radio Cabs Bathurst Casino Radio Cabs Casino Cessnock Radio Cabs Cooperative Limited Cessnock Coffs District Taxi Network Pty Limited Coffs Harbour Combined District Radio Cabs Pty Ltd ** Central Coast Cooma Radio Taxi Co-Operative Ltd Cooma Dubbo Radio Cabs Co-Operative Ltd Dubbo Echuca Taxi Group Pty Ltd Echuca Forster-Tuncurry Taxis Forster Frodale Pty Ltd Byron Bay George Kollas Cowra Grenfell Taxi Service Grenfell Griffith City Taxi Pty Ltd Griffith Inverell Radio Cabs Co-Op Ltd Inverell Katoomba-Leura Radio Cabs Co-Operative Ltd Katoomba Lauriechaven Pty Ltd Laurieton Lismore Taxis Cooperative Limited Lismore Lithgow City Radio Cabs Co-Op Ltd Lithgow Lustrak Pty Ltd Kurri Kurri Lustrak Pty Ltd (2nd) Nelson Bay Page 22 of 31

23 Maclean Taxis Minvell Corp Pty Ltd Mudgee Radio Cabs Pty Ltd Nambucca Radio Cabs Nowra Radio Taxi Co-Op Ltd Papadopoulos, Sotiros Parkes Taxi Owners Pty Ltd Penders Hire Pty Ltd Premier Cabs Pty Ltd ** Queanbeyan Taxi Co-Operative Limited Radio Cabs (Wagga) Cooperative Society Ltd Radio Cabs (Wollongong) Co-Operative Society Ltd ** Red & White Star Cabs Cooperative Ltd Singleton Taxi Service Southern Highlands Taxi Service Taxi Cabs Of Orange Co-Operative Ltd Taxi Services Co-Operative Limited ** Taxis Combined Services Co-Op Ltd Tweed Heads-Coolangatta Taxi Company Tweed Taxis Pty Ltd Wauchope Taxis Wellington Radio Cabs Woods El & Me Young Radio Cabs Co-Op Society Ltd Mclean Port Macquarie Mudgee Nambucca Heads Nowra Murwillumbah Maitland Rutherford Central Coast Queanbeyan Wagga Wollongong Maitland Singleton Bowral Orange Newcastle Taree Tweed Heads Tweed Heads Wauchope Wellington Berrima Young ** Denotes Networks outside Sydney subject to full Mandatory Emergency Equipment and Mandatory Certificate requirements. Page 23 of 31

24 ANNEXURE B Passenger Transport Regulation 2007 Regulations referred to in this Inspection Manual 17 Condition of vehicles (1) The operator of a relevant service must ensure that the interior, exterior and fittings of the vehicles used to provide the service are, at all times during which the vehicles are being used to provide the service, clean and undamaged and (in the case of fittings) duly fitted, securely in place, in good condition and fully operational. (2) Without limiting subclause (1), the interior, exterior and fittings of a vehicle include the following: the vehicle body and the door panels, the wheels and the bumper bars, the trim, (d) the seats, seat covers and floor covers, (e) the interior lights, (f) any device or equipment that is fitted to the vehicle (whether or not it is required by or under the Act to be fitted), (g) in the case of taxi-cabs and private hire vehicles: (i) where appropriate, the network livery and decals, and (ii) the interior of the boot or load space, and (iii) the window winding mechanisms. 109 Accommodation standard for taxi-cabs (1) The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that the taxi-cab complies with this clause. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (2) A vehicle that is used as a taxi-cab must have seating accommodation for the driver and for at least 4 and not more than 11 other adult persons. (3) The vehicle must have at least 4 side doors. (4) Subclauses (2) and (3) do not apply to a maxi-cab or wheelchair accessible taxi-cab. (5) The distance between the back of one seat and the front of the seat behind it must be at least 180 mm when the rear seat is occupied. (6) For the purposes of subclause (5), any approved driver protection screen installed in the vehicle is to be ignored. (7) Each seating position in the vehicle must be such that it is adequate when assessed in accordance with section 7.2 of the Single Uniform Type Inspection (SUTI) Manual for Third Edition Australian Design Rules as published in January 1988 by the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board. (8) A station-wagon that is used as a taxi-cab must not have any seat (other than a seat installed when the vehicle was manufactured) installed in the part of the station-wagon that is designed or intended for the conveyance of goods. (9) Subclause (8) does not apply to a station-wagon that: had such a seat installed, and was being used as a taxi-cab, immediately before 1 September (10) A station-wagon that is used as a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab must not have any side-facing seat (whether fixed or folding) in the part of the station-wagon that is designed or intended for the conveyance of wheelchairs. (11) A taxi-cab (other than a station-wagon) that is required by a condition of its Page 24 of 31

25 licence to be wheelchair accessible must not have any seat (other than a folding seat) installed in the part of the taxi-cab that is designed or intended for the conveyance of wheelchairs. (12) In this clause: station-wagon includes a station-wagon that has been modified. 110 Maximum age of taxi-cabs (1) A person must not operate a vehicle licensed as a taxi-cab (other than a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab) in respect of the Metropolitan transport district if the vehicle is more than 6 years old. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) A person must not operate a vehicle licensed as a taxi-cab (other than a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab) in respect of an area other than the Metropolitan transport district if the vehicle is more than 8 years old. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (3) A person must not operate a vehicle licensed as a taxi-cab that is a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab if the vehicle is more than 10 years old. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (4) The Director-General may grant written approval to extend the period referred to in subclause (1), (2) or (3) or may in writing exempt an operator or class of operators from the operation of any or all of those subclauses. (5) An approval or exemption under this clause may be revoked or varied by the Director-General in the same manner as it was granted or given. (6) For the purposes of this clause, the age of a vehicle is to be measured from 6 months after the date on which, in accordance with the regulations made under the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Act 1997: an identification plate is fitted to the vehicle, or an operations plate is installed in the vehicle, or a certificate of approved operations is issued in respect of the vehicle, whichever first occurs. 111 Taxi-meters (1) The operator of a taxi-cab must not allow the taxi-cab to be driven unless the taxi-cab is fitted with a taxi-meter that complies with the standards for taxi-meters set out in Schedule 2. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) The Director-General may by instrument in writing exempt a taxi-cab from the provisions of subclause (1). (3) If any such exemption is granted, the licence for the taxi-cab is to be endorsed accordingly. (4) The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that all fares and other figures displayed on the face of the taxi-meter are clearly visible at all times to all persons in the taxi-cab, whether on the taxi-meter itself or by means of an auxiliary display unit connected to the taxi-meter. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (5) A person must not interfere with, or permit any interference with, a taxi-meter fitted to a taxi-cab, any seal attached to the taxi-meter or any portion of the mechanism controlling the taxi-meter so as to prevent the proper working of the taxi-meter. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (6) An exemption under this clause may be revoked or varied by the Director- General in the same manner as it was given. Page 25 of 31

26 112 Duress alarm systems (1) The operator of a taxi-cab that is connected to a taxi-cab network must ensure that the taxi-cab is fitted with an approved duress alarm system for taxi-cabs of that type. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) The operator must ensure that a taxi-cab that has a fully enclosed boot compartment is equipped with a lock release device that: enables the boot compartment to be opened from inside the compartment, and has a distinctively coloured and easily accessible handle, and is not able to be rendered inoperable from outside the compartment when the boot is closed. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. 113 Vehicle tracking devices (1) The operator of a taxi-cab that: is operating in the Metropolitan, Newcastle or Wollongong transport district or within the City of Gosford or the Wyong local government area, and is connected to a taxi-cab network, must ensure that the taxi-cab is fitted with an approved vehicle tracking device. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. (2) An approved vehicle tracking device is taken to be an approved mandatory duress alarm system of the kind required by clause 112 (1). (3) A person must not wilfully: interfere with any part of an approved vehicle tracking device fitted to a taxi-cab, or cause or permit any such interference, in such a manner as to prevent or impede the proper working of the device. Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units. (4) Nothing in this clause prevents any authorised officer or other person authorised by the Director-General for the purpose of this clause from carrying out an inspection, check or other test of, or performing any proper function in relation to, a vehicle tracking device. 114 Security cameras (1) The operator of a taxi-cab that is connected to a taxi-cab network and that operates within the Metropolitan, Newcastle or Wollongong transport district or within the City of Gosford or the Wyong local government area must ensure that the taxi-cab is fitted: before 1 March 2008, with either an approved driver protection screen or an approved security camera system, and on or after 1 March 2008, with an approved security camera system. Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units. (2) The operator of a taxi-cab, other than a taxi-cab referred to in subclause (1), must ensure that on or after 1 September 2008, the taxi-cab is fitted with an approved security camera system. Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units. (3) A person must not wilfully: interfere with any part of an approved security camera system fitted to a taxi-cab, or cause or permit any such interference, in such a manner as to prevent or impede the proper working of the system. Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units. Page 26 of 31

27 (4) Schedule 1 has effect in relation to any security camera system with which a taxi-cab is fitted (whether or not pursuant to this clause). (5) Nothing in this clause prevents any authorised officer or other person authorised by the Director-General for the purpose of this clause from carrying out an inspection, check or other test of, or performing any proper function in relation to, a security camera system. 115 Driver protection screens (1) The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that on or after 1 March 2008, any driver protection screen fitted in the taxi-cab is of a design, and is fitted in a manner, that is approved by the Director-General. Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units. (2) A person must not wilfully: interfere with an approved driver protection screen fitted to a taxi-cab,or cause or permit any such interference, in such a manner as to remove or reduce the protection it affords to the driver of the taxi-cab. Maximum penalty: 15 penalty units. (3) Nothing in this clause prevents any authorised officer or other person authorised by the Director-General for the purpose of this clause from carrying out an inspection, check or other test of, or performing any proper function in relation to, a driver protection screen. 116 Air-conditioning The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure: that the taxi-cab is fitted with an air-conditioning system that is fully operational and in good repair, and if the taxi-cab is a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab that adequate air-conditioning is available to all parts of the vehicle in which passengers are carried. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. 117 Fitting of prohibited communication devices The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that the taxi-cab is not fitted with a prohibited communication device. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. 118 Information in taxi-cabs (1) The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that information is displayed inside the taxi-cab in accordance with this clause while the taxi-cab is being used to provide a taxi-cab service. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (2) The following information must be displayed: a summary of the rights and obligations of the hirer, brief details (including a telephone number) as to how complaints and comments relating to taxi-cab services might be made, the maximum fares and charges (as determined for the time being by the Director-General) on which the authorised fare for hiring is calculated, (d) the maximum number of passengers that may be carried in the taxi-cab, (e) a summary of the rights and obligations of the driver, (f) the registration number of the taxi-cab. (3) The information must be: approved by the Director-General, and Page 27 of 31

28 displayed: (i) in a form approved by the Director-General, and (ii) in a position where it may easily be read by any passenger (even if this requires the display of the information in more than one place in the taxi-cab). (4) The reference to a registration number in subclause (2) (f) is, in the case of a stand-by taxi-cab, a reference to the normal registration number of the vehicle that is being used as a stand-by taxi-cab. 119 Regular inspection of taxi-cabs (1) The operator of a taxi-cab must present the taxi-cab at an authorised taxi-cab inspection station for inspection at least as frequently as the following (calculated from the date on which the taxi-cab was first registered as a taxi-cab): if the taxi-cab s area of operation is a transport district every four months, if the taxi-cab s area of operation is a place in the Western Division every twelve months, if the taxi-cab s area of operation is an area other than an area referred to in paragraph or every six months. (2) The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that the current label issued by or on behalf of the Department in connection with the periodic inspections carried out on the taxi-cab is prominently affixed next to the taxi-cab s registration label. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units. 120 Child restraint anchorage bolts in taxi-cabs The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that the taxi-cab is fitted with a child restraint anchorage bolt that is capable of securing a child restraint that is not more than 10 years old. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. 121 Signs and lights on taxi-cabs (1) A taxi-cab must be fitted with a roof sign: made of opaque plastic or some other substance approved by the Director General, and enclosing a lamp capable of showing a white light, and displaying the word TAXI on the front and back of the sign in black capital letters at least 70 mm high. (2) The roof sign must have positioned on its top an amber lamp the light from which is capable of being clearly seen in daylight at a distance of 40 metres. (3) If a taxi-cab s area of operation is an urban area, the taxi-cab must also have positioned on the rear face of its roof sign (or in another position approved by the Director-General) a red lamp the light from which: is capable of being clearly seen in daylight from the rear of the taxi-cab at a distance of 40 metres at any point within an arc of 90 degrees (45 degrees on either side of the taxi-cab) extending from the middle of the roof of the taxi-cab, and is not visible from the front of the taxi-cab. (4) Subclause (3) does not apply to or in respect of a taxi-cab that is the subject of an exemption under clause 111 or 237. (5) In the case of a taxi-cab that is fitted with a taxi-meter, the lamp enclosed by the roof sign, the red lamp (if fitted) and the amber lamp must all be wired to the taxi-meter so that: while the taxi-cab is not for hire, all the lamps will be extinguished, and while the taxi-cab is available for hire, both the lamp enclosed by the Page 28 of 31

29 roof sign and the amber lamp will be illuminated, and while the taxi-cab is engaged: (i) both the lamp enclosed by the roof sign and the amber lamp will be extinguished, and (ii) if the meter is computing the fare at the night-time surcharge rate, the red lamp will be illuminated. (6) If a taxi-cab is the subject of an exemption under clause 111: the roof sign lamp and amber lamp must each be operated so that: (i) while the taxi-cab is engaged or not for hire, both the roof sign lamp and the amber lamp will be extinguished, and (ii) while the taxi-cab is available for hire, both the roof sign lamp and the amber lamp will be illuminated, and the operator of the taxi-cab must not install, or (as the case may require) must remove, the red lamp. Maximum penalty (subclause (6) ): 5 penalty units. (7) Except as permitted by this clause, a taxi-cab must not display any word, letter or sign that indicates that it is available for hire. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (8) The operator must ensure that a taxi-cab is fitted with all the equipment necessary for compliance with this clause and that the equipment is properly connected, wired and adjusted. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (9) A person must not wilfully: interfere with any equipment (or the connection, wiring or adjustment of the equipment) necessary for compliance with this clause, or cause or permit any such interference, in such a manner as to prevent or impede the proper working of the equipment. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (10) In this clause: urban area means an area that the Director-General from time to time specifies, by notice published in the Gazette under section 60A of the Act, as an urban area in respect of taxi-cab fares. 122 Network decals and livery (1) The operator of a taxi-cab that is connected to a taxi-cab network must ensure that: the taxi-cab is fitted with a network decal sign (being a decal sign approved by the Director-General in relation to the network) securely mounted on each of the front doors of the taxi-cab, and the taxi-cab is painted in the colours approved by the Director-General in relation to the network. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (2) Relevant network decal signs additional to those mounted on the front doors of the taxi-cab may, with the approval of the Director-General, be mounted on other parts of the taxi-cab. 123 Taxi-cabs to display registration details (1) The operator of a taxi-cab (other than a stand-by taxi-cab) must ensure that the taxi-cab displays, in accordance with this clause, the numbers corresponding to the vehicle registration number of the taxi-cab shown on the number-plates of the taxi-cab. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (2) The operator of a stand-by taxi-cab that is connected to a taxi-cab network must Page 29 of 31

30 ensure that on or after 1 January 2008, the taxi-cab displays, in accordance with this clause, the numbers corresponding to the vehicle identification number allocated to the taxi-cab by the network. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. (3) The numbers required to be displayed under this clause must be displayed as follows: on the upper half of both the front nearside and offside panels of the taxi-cab, as far back as possible, in numbers at least 50 millimetres high, (d) in such a manner as to be clearly readable from a distance of 5 metres. 125 Taxi-cabs to comply with on-road standards when inspected The operator of a taxi-cab must ensure that, at the time any inspection of the taxicab is carried out under Division 2 of Part 4C of the Act: if the taxi-cab is a wheelchair accessible taxi-cab: (i) the taxi-cab carries a child restraint that is not more than 10 years old as required by clause 108, and (ii) the taxi-cab is fitted with a hoist or is equipped with a ramp as required by clause 108, and (iii) the taxi-cab carries wheelchair restraints as required by clause 108 (d), and the taxi-cab complies in all respects with the requirements of clause 109, and the taxi-cab does not exceed the maximum permissible age as specified in clause 110 (1), (2) or (3) (as appropriate), and (d) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with a taxi-meter of the kind referred to in clause 111 (unless the taxi-cab is exempted under clause 111 (2)), and (e) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with a duress alarm system and lock release device as required by clause 112, and (f) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with an approved tracking device as required by clause 113, and (g) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with any approved driver protection screen or approved security camera system required by clause 114 and any signs required by clause 3 of Schedule 1, and (h) the taxi-cab is fitted with an air-conditioning system as required by clause 116, and (i) the taxi-cab is not fitted with any prohibited communication device, and (j) the interior, exterior and fittings of the taxi-cab comply in all respects with the requirements of clause 17, and (k) the information required by clause 118 is duly displayed in the taxi-cab, and the numbers required by clause 123 (1) are duly displayed on the taxi-cab, and (l) the label required by clause 119 (2) is affixed in accordance with that subclause, and (m) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with the child restraint anchorage bolt required by clause 120, and (n) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with the roof sign lamp and other roof lamps required by clause 121, and (o) if the taxi-cab is connected to a taxi-cab network: (i) the taxi-cab is duly fitted with a receiver, and (ii) the decal signs required by clause 122 (1) are mounted on the taxi-cab, and (iii) the taxi-cab is painted as required by clause 122 (1). Maximum penalty: 5 penalty units. Page 30 of 31

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