I searched the 2018 version of "The Official Manual for Operating in the SPSV Industry" (Ed. 71, 2018) for the word 'luggage'. Here's a selection:
Right to refuse service
- To carry luggage or other articles in the person’s possession which are in excess of the
luggage carrying capacity of, or could cause damage to, a taxi.
Customer service
- You must offer reasonable assistance with luggage.
Size of vehicle
- The vehicle must incorporate a luggage area of at least 420 litres secured by a guard or cover,
including space capable of accommodating a folded wheelchair. It must be available for luggage
– it must not contain any other unsecured items, or be dirty or damp. The luggage capacity
requirement may be reduced for certain vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, and it does
not apply to vehicles associated with local area hackney licences.
Refusing a passenger
- A passenger with too much luggage to be carried safely in the interior of the vehicle, or
whose luggage poses a danger to the driver or others;
Handling and transporting luggage and other heavy items
- Many working days are lost because of injuries, including back injuries, caused by incorrect
handling and lifting of heavy or bulky items. As an SPSV driver, you will frequently be asked to
help customers with luggage, and it is worthwhile learning how to do so properly. All SPSV
drivers are recommended to take a manual handling course with a professional organisation.
It is important to consider not only whether you can safely load an item into your vehicle, but
also whether transporting the item presents a potential health and safety risk to you, your
passenger, or others – for example, bulky luggage that cannot be suitably restrained, or that
affects your ability to control the vehicle or to see through the windows.
As an SPSV driver, you may refuse to lift or carry any item that, in your judgement, is liable to
cause injury to yourself or to others.
