Taxi Driver Online

Heres a thorny question for any comments!
Have just returned from Cornwall County Council Testing depot with a failure!. Ford Modeo TDCi Ghia X. Reason for failure, and this is the bit that I was'nt aware of... The spare wheel which is a standard 'space saver' wheel with brand new tyre is not accepted as a spare because the size of the tyre is not the same as those fitted as standard road wheels.
Now this is the daft bit... Ford have decided to fit a space saver type tyre and rim - purely for 'emergency use' ie get the puncture to the workshop ASAP and with limitations on speed and use. Many modern cars coming to market are now fitted with these type wheels/tyres.
I have been told the Local council won't budge as it appears that I am - possibly - one of many to fail at the first test, that I must now purchase another wheel rim and tyre to match those fitted (from new) and carry in
boot - First problem - a new wheel will not fit in the proper place due to design of car. I will have to carry in a secure place in the boot, which will then cut down on the amount of safe luggage space - and this in a top of the range car! - To me this sounds like 'rule bending' - Comments anyone?
Spickernow -

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spickernow alias John
Make a Bea Line for Bude

seems daft, they saying every mondeo running in north cornwall has a full size spare?

I think this is more common than we may think, and is causing a pain to some of the lads that want to run on LPG i.e. second tank space.

The Tyre Association (I think) have told some councils that they believe cars should only have full size spare tyres.

But I think the problem is that large sections of our trade can't be trusted to go straight to the garage after a puncture, and will run on the bike wheel for longer than they should.

However haven't they just bought out a tyre that doesn't puncture?

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IDFIMH

Oxford council fail cars fitted with a space saver tyre as well,Wycombe district do not its not the sames rules through out for some reason.

There are PH cars on Wirral with space savers, but if you have a puncture, you daren't do another job until you've had your tyre replaced or repaired. You certainly couldn't run on a space saver.

As much as I don't think space savers are a good idea, I think as long as cars are being made and sold with them, then LA's should plate them. There's not much drivers can do about it.

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Visit TAXIPIX at www.taxipix.fotopic.net

Is it legal to "plate" a saloon in cornwall?

I think, apart from Plymouth, that the whole of the South West is HC saloon city.

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IDFIMH

You mean these cornwall platers are uphill gardeners too? Cancel my vacation...

i've seen a couple of saltash and SE cornwall eurobus WAV's. but i think that may be through drivers choice. (at least they have a choice).

Tyres that don't puncture are nothing new. I once owned a 1978 mini that came with them.

This is a rather belated update to all 'preceding' comments!
Our Local Council (NCDC) are now permitting the use and acceptance at the Council Test Centre for all cars utilising Space Saver Tyres and wheels as standard manufacturers equipment - with limitations as to use.
They are to be used in the way they were intended - Emergency Use Only.
The vehicle is not to be used in a fare carrying role until the wheel/tyre has been repaired and reinstated to standard. - Problems solved!
For information - I have only had to use the space saver tyre twice due to puctures and in both cases I was able to get back to my tyre supplier and back on the road within 60 mins and without losing any fare paying clients.

spickernow

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spickernow alias John
Make a Bea Line for Bude

That's good news, but what if you have a full car of punters when you get one, do you carry on to there destination that could be miles away or do you give another cab a shout

This is an idea!


http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/invt/0171546

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Why don't you get a proper job???

My solution was .....buy a proper spare and put it in boot when it goes for test. When youget home sling it in the garage and forget about it until next year.

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry

Or am I the only one who has the fire extinguisher move from the interior of the car to the boot 100 yards from the test centre?

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A member of the Hire or Reward Industry