Q Could you answer the following queries?
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1) I own a 35cwt Ford Transit chassis and cab on which a Luton body is fitted. The logbook gives kerb weight at 291cwt unladen, so does that mean my vehicle can carry a full payload of 35cwt of goods as I often read of 35cwt Lutons and that they only carry 33 cwt or thereabouts, although weight is under 30cwt unladen? Why is this?
2) If I buy a Ford Transit or Bedford CF 12seater vehicle can I use it as a Hackney Carriage taking people on outings and to stations, or must I have a psv driving licence?
AThe payload which you can carry on your
Luton van is calculated by deducting the unladen weight (including fuel and driver. etc) from the gross plated weight, which you will find on a plate somewhere on the vehicle—you must, however, take care not to overload either axle. The fact that some vehicles specified as being generally 35cwt carrying capacity only carry 33cwt or so is due to differences in the weight of the body or other additional fittings, but such figures are only intended as a general guide and the correct method of assessing the carrying capacity is as given above.
To take people on private party outings you must have a psv licence granted by the Traffic Commissioners for your area and a Certificate of Fitness for the vehicle. If, however, you restrict your operations to taking people to stations in your local authority area you can do this with a Hackney Carriage licence obtain able from your local authority.
You will, of course, require a psv driving licence to drive such a vehicle.