PCO Notice 36/07 gave details of the amendment to the definition of a private hire vehicle (PHV) and outlined the arrangements for ensuring those services affected by the change are brought into the licensing regime.
Now that the definition of a PHV has been amended, some ambulance services fall within the meaning of a PHV. There is no specific exemption in PHV licensing legislation for an ambulance and the Government has no plans to introduce such an exemption.
The term ‘ambulance’ covers a wide range of vehicles but it is not the intention of Transport for London to license those vehicles that provide a genuine specialist or emergency service. In its guidance note dated 23 November 2007 on the impact of section 54 of the Road Safety Act 2006, the Department for Transport (DfT) provides guidance as to what services should legitimately be distinct from PHV licensing.
In clarification of the DfT’s guidance note, the definition of ‘ambulance’ that the PCO will apply, is:
A vehicle that falls within any of the following categories may be excluded from the London PHV licensing process.
Vehicles must have a rear compartment with a permanent means of conveying a person in a recumbent position, together with an attendant seat to accommodate the presence of a health professional. The words 'Ambulance' must be clearly signed on the front and sides of each vehicle. The vehicle should also be fitted with a blue warning beacon or a device which resembles a blue warning beacon (Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989, section 16).
Ambulances in the NHS, private, local authority, military and voluntary sectors that comply with this definition will be classed as emergency vehicles.
There are three key requirements for this category:
That the vehicle:
These vehicles will be readily identifiable as used for the carriage of such people by being marked ‘Ambulance’ on the front and sides of each vehicle. Vehicles may require the presence of a health professional.
Organisations that operate ambulance services and are affected by the change in the law are advised to obtain their own legal advice with regard to the need to be licensed.