Nine passenger seats indeed, but surely has zero chance of any kind of licence from the traffic commissioners, so it's presumably a case of reducing the seating capacity and trying the PHV route.
No doubt Grandad knows more about those sorts of difficulties than me from his stretch limo days, but I'm guessing entry and exit in particular would make a bus licence of any kind impossible, and I'd bet Norwich City Council would prefer not to have to decide whether or not it's viable as a PHV.
But one or two nuggets on Tank Taxi's website that may be of interest:
Tank Taxi wrote:
With the rear door latched and the hatch down, no one you don't want can get in. You can open a panel at the rear to look out, or view the outside through the commander's periscopes, without being in the open.
Of course, the corollary of uninvited guests being unable to get in is that the occupants will have some difficulty getting out in an emergency etc. VOSA's stretch limo guidance states:
VOSA wrote:
In particular, the regulations require any passenger vehicle carrying more than eight people to have exits big enough to get passengers out quickly in the event of an emergency. Many limousines do not comply with this requirement. In addition, the regulations require European-approved lamps, mirrors, tyres, seat belts and glass, which are not present on American vehicles, and the regulations on turning circle are not met by most stretched American vehicles.
I wonder what the Tank Taxi's turning circle is?
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... es__2_.pdfThis is under 'terms and conditions':
Tank Taxi wrote:
The Vehicle has been modified since leaving the military – what you see is what you get. Please note it does not have seat belts and is restricted by law to travel at no more than 20mph on public roads. Travel may be slower in built up areas, narrow lanes and tight spaces.
Suspect at the very least it would need seat belts for a PHV plate.
Tank Taxi wrote:
The Supplier shall be as careful as possible but if you require the Vehicle to drive onto private property please be aware the steel tracks can damage paving stones and other weak ground surfaces, and leave ruts in mud, grass, gravel and other soft surfaces. The Supplier accepts no liability whatsoever for damage caused as a result of being asked to drive the Vehicle onto such terrain. The Vehicle may not be able to access narrow or restricted roads.
Looks like he didn't get those rubber tracks fitted after all
These next conditions are what customers are forbidden to do. All sounds a bit ropey for a prospective licensed vehicle in my unprofessional opinion:
Tank Taxi wrote:
...never stand or permit anyone in their party to stand in front of or behind the Vehicle while the engine is running, exit the Vehicle while the engine is running, or stand on top of the Vehicle while the engine is running;
...not exit or permit anyone in their party to exit through the top of the Vehicle unless under the supervision of the Supplier in so doing and in full awareness that they must be careful on top due to trip hazards on top of the vehicle. Anyone under the influence of alcohol is not permitted on top of the Vehicle for safety reasons;
...be aware that there are knobs and levers inside the Vehicle on which it is possible to get caught if not taking due care, and shall take all due care and acknowledge that the Supplier is not liable for damages should the Customer or any member of the party travelling with them bump, scratch or cut themselves while moving around inside the vehicle
More generally, the Terms and Conditions page is very comprehensive and legalistic, but I suppose that's just consistent with his back ground in legal services.
But which makes it all the more strange that he didn't consider the licensing legals before now
https://www.tanktaxi.co.uk/newpage
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