MORE CHOICE: Manchester City Council exempts Ford MAXicab on TWO key requirements to grant approval
- Perry Richardson
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4
Manchester City Council’s Licensing and Appeals Committee has approved an exemption to the existing Hackney Carriage Vehicle Policy to allow the new Ford MAXicab to be licensed in the city.
The vehicle, developed by Cab Direct, is a new purpose-built Hackney Carriage based on the Ford Tourneo Custom. It offers three engine types: a Euro 6 diesel, a petrol plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric model. The MAXicab also has full Vehicle Certification Agency approval as a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
An exemption was required because the Maxicab does not fully meet Manchester’s current Conditions of Fitness. It is 50mm longer than the maximum permitted length and lacks a swivel seat. However, council officers noted that the 5-metre length rule was originally based on taxi rank layout, not safety, and vehicles without swivel seats are already permitted in practice, following a series of exemptions for similar models since 2017.
Officers highlighted the shrinking market of emissions-compliant Hackney Carriages that fully meet the current standards. Only the LEVC TX vehicle is currently available new that meets all requirements, but its cost has raised concerns among trade representatives, according to the council report. Approving the Ford MAXicab was seen as a way to offer more choice while supporting the city’s emissions policy.
The exemption granted, applies to all three Maxicab variants. Applications would not need to go before the Committee individually.
Council officers say this move supports Manchester’s goals for an accessible, low-emissions public transport network and provides continued support for the trade, which includes a large proportion of licence holders from BAME communities.
A wider consultation on the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Policy is expected to follow, covering issues like accessibility requirements and vehicle specifications in full.
