Press Releases

Conditions of Fitness Decision

15th December 2005

Manganese Bronze Holdings PLC, the leading manufacturer of the distinctive black taxi, today welcomed the announcement of the results of the review of the Conditions of Fitness governing London's taxis.

The review has recognised the benefits to drivers and passengers of the turning circle requirement and will help to ensure continued high standards for London's taxi service.

The Public Carriage Office (PCO) completed a full review of the Conditions of Fitness in June 2003 and concluded that the benefits to drivers and passengers of key features of the existing Conditions of Fitness should be upheld. Manganese Bronze welcomed this decision.

The PCO announced in September 2003 that a further limited review into three specific elements of the Conditions of Fitness, including the turning circle requirement, would be undertaken in response to an application by Allied Vehicles Ltd for a judicial review of the PCO's original decision.

Today's announcement by the PCO represents the outcome of this further limited review.

Ian Pickering, Chief Executive of Manganese Bronze, said;

"The review of the Conditions of Fitness is now complete and we welcome its outcome. This decision provides certainty for the taxi trade and will further underpin drivers' confidence in our vehicle.

"The Conditions of Fitness are designed to ensure high standards for London's taxis. It just takes the necessary commitment and investment to produce a taxi that achieves those standards something which LTI has been doing for over 50 years. This limited review has reaffirmed the benefits of this London icon.

"We have always believed that our vehicle is the best taxi in the world, the first choice for drivers and passengers alike. The London taxi is instantly recognisable, accessible, durable and manoeuvrable. The outcome of this review will ensure that it remains an icon of London for many years to come."

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