CELEX: 51975PC0333
Language: en
Date: 1975-07-03
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to TAXIMETERS (forwarded by the Commission to the Council)

ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (75) 333
Vol. 1975/0129
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROHBAN €OMMUMTIE5
                                                            COM(75)333 final
                                                            Brussels . 3 July 1975
                           PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
               on the approximation of the laws of the Member Stages
                                      relating to
                                  TAXIMETERS
                     (forwarded "by the Commission to the Council )
  OOK (75) 333 final
 ---pagebreak---                            EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
I , GENERAL
     This Directive results from the application of Article 100 of the
     Treaty in connection with the Council Directive of 26 July 1971 on
     the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to common
     provisions for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological
     control ( 1 ).
     It is aimed at removing technical barriers to trade within the Com­
     munity which exist at present in' the Taximeter sector as a result of
     divergences in the national laws governing these instruments in the
     Member States .
     A comparative examination of the rules applying to Taximeters showed
     that the differences are not restricted solely to the technical re­
     quirements applying to construction , materials , indicator devices and
     markings , but extend also to accuracy and the methods of metrological
     control to which these instruments are subjected before they are
     placed on the market and employed .
     A similar situation is reflected at the trading level in - the manda­
     tory requirement for manufacturers to vary their production in order
     to take account of- the . regulations in force in the Member State where
     these instruments are intended to be used and to undergo repeated
     checks along various lines .
     Since the present national laws are justified by the legitimate desire
  , to protect consumers , harmonization of these laws appears the only
     means likely to remove the drawbacks arising from their diversity and
     to create the conditions necessary for establishing the corrmon market .
                                                                          )
( 1 ) GJ No L 202 of 6 September 1971 *
 ---pagebreak---  The Council and the Commission have long regarded it as essential to
 undertake harmonization in this sector , and as already contemplated in
  the "General Programme" aimed at removing technical barriers to trade "
 adopted on 28 May 1969 * and in the "Resolution on Industrial Policy"
 which it adopted on 17 December 1973 * ,|, » the Council has invited the
 Commission to forward to it a proposal for a Directive on Taximeters
  before 1 January 1976 , with a view to its adoption by the Council
 before 1 January ^ 977 • The text in question is appended .
 The Comumnity used the Recommendation recently adopted by the Interna­
  tional Organization of Legal Metrology as the basis for this Directive ,
  thus ensuring that the requirements featuring in it are based on a
  consensus gained over a much wider field than that of the Community
  alone .
 The legally operative part appears in a straightforward form as is
  customary for Directives on Measuring Instruments .
 Article 1 defines the scope of the Directive .
 Article 2 lays down which Taximeters may be granted EEC marks and
  symbols and the conditions under which they shall be submitted to pat­
  tern approval and initial verification .
  In view of the wide variety of tariff regulations in force in the Mem­
  ber States and also the fact that final adjustment of the Taximeter
  can only take place after its has been installed once and for all on
  the vehicle cf which it forms an integral part , it was not possible to
• carry out all the operations corresponding to the EEC initial verifi­
  cation at the point of manufacture . Provision is thus made for initial
  verification to be carried out in two stages * At the end of the first
  stage , which consists of checking the proper functioning and metrolo­
  gical characteristics of the Taximeter , that meter shall receive the
  EEC partial initial verification mark provided for in the Council Di­
  rective of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the laws of the Member
  States relating to common provisions for both measuring instruments
  and methods of metrological control .
* O jTno C 76 of 17 June 1969
•* OJ No C 117 of 31 December 1973
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 3 -    ,
      As laid down in Article 3 , this mark allows Taximeters access to
      the markets of all the Member States of the Coi-'iruri ty .    c <.
      petent authorities of the Member Statu whore such instruments will
      be used must of necessity check that the installation on the vehicle
      has been carried out correctly and must perform the final adjustments .
      Articles h and 5 are common to all Directives , Article 4 contains
      the wording proposed by the European Parliament for one of the re­
      cent proposals .
 II . HARMONISATION SOLUTION
      The harmonization solution adopted can only be of the optional type *
      It will ensure that Taximeters satisfying this Directive can be
      freely marketed and used in the Member States in the same way as
      Instruments which have satisfied the national inspection procedures
      in each Member State .
      This solution , which , incidentally , is adopted for all measuring
      instruments , was the only method applicable in this sector at pre­
      sent . As long as the substance of non-technical provisions relating f
      inter alia to the field of use and to the tariff regulations in
      force remains as divergent between the various Member States as at
      present , it will be very difficult to envisage total harmonization .
III . CONSULTATION OF THE PARLIAMENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
      The opinion of these two institutions is necessary to comply
      with the provisions of Article 100 ? paragraph 2 . The implementa­
      tion of the provisions laid down by the Directive requires that
      some Member States amend their laws .
 ---pagebreak---                      PROPOSAI FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
                  on the r.pproxi:u&.tion of the laws of the
                   Member States relating to taximeters
THE COUNCIL OF TEE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES , •         -      '
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
and in particular Article 100 thereof ,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission }
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament ,
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ,
Whereas in the Member States the construction and methods of inspection
of taximeters, are subject to mandatory provisions which differ from one
Member State to another and consequently hinder trade in such meters ;
whereas it is therefore necessary to approximate these provisions ;
Whereas the Council Directive of 26 July 1$71 on the approximation of the
laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for both measuring
instruments and methods of metrological control ( 1 ) has laid down the EEC
pattern approval and the EEC initial verification procedures ; whereas ,
in accordance with that Directive , it is necessary to lay down the
technical requirements for design and functioning to be fulfilled by
these meters in order that they may be freely imported , marketed and
used after they have undergone the prescribed inspections and the pre­
scribed marks and symbols have been affixed to them ;
Whereas the above-mentioned Directive also provides that special direc­
tives may specify , when the conditions so permit , the date on which each
Member State is to repeal the national provisions applicable to meters
similar to those which satisfy Community provisions ; and whereas , in
this specific case , it is not yet permissible to fix this date ;
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE l
                                              -
( 1 ) OJ No L 202 , 6 September 1971 .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 2 -
                                 Article 1
This Directive applies to time-distance meters called " taximeters ".
Such meters are defined in Section 1.1 . of the Annex to this Directive .
                                 Article 2
Those taximeters which may bear EEC narks and symbols? are described in
the Annex to this Directive .
They shall be the subject of EEC pattern approval and shall be subjected
to EEC initial verification under the conditions laid down in Annex II ,
Section 1.2.2 . , of the Council Directive of 26 July 1971 on the approxi­
mation of tho laws of the Member States relating to common provisions
for both measuring instruments and methods of metrological control and
under the conditions laid down in the Annex to this Directive .
                                 Article 3
No Member State may refuse , prohibit or restrict the placing on the
market of taximeters bearing the EEC pattern approval symbol and the
EEC partial initial verification mark provided for in Section 3*1*1 * 2 *
of the Council Directive of 26 J&Iy 1971 •
It shall be the responsibility of the competent authorities to carry
out , before the placing into service of those instruments , the opera­
tions which complete the EEC initial verification , provided for in point 7*3
of the Annex td this Directive .
                    ι
                                 Article
1 . Member States shall put into force the laws , regulations and admi­
    nistrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive within
    eighteen months of its notification , and shall forthwith inform the
    Conuniesion thereof .
 ---pagebreak--- 2 » Member States shall ensure that the texts of the provisions of na­
    tional law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive
    are communicated to the Commission .
                               Article 5
This Directive is addressed to the Member States .
                                   Done at Brussels ,
                                   For the Council
                                   The President
 ---pagebreak---                                    - if -
                                 ANNEX
1.      Terminology
1.1 .   Tine-distance meters , called "taximeters "
        Time distance meters , called taximeters , are instruments which ,
        according to the characteristics of the vehicle in which they
        are installed and the rates applied at the place of use , calcu­
        late automatically and indicate constantly when in use the
        amounts to be paid by the users of public vehicles designated
        as taxis as a function of the distance covered and -below a
        certain speed - of the time for which the vehicle is occupied ,
        exclusive of various surcharges , the levying of which may be
        authorized by local regulations in force in the Member States .
        In this Annex , such instruments are referred to as "taximeters ".
1.2 .   Special terms used in the document
        The reading of a taximeter depends - the rate for fares apart -
        on a constant , k , of the instrument and on a characteristic
        coefficient ,w f of the vehicle in which the instrument is instal­
        led .   This coefficient w is a function of the effective cir­
        cumference , u , of the wheels of the vehicle and of the trans­
        mission ratio of the number of revolutiens of the wheels to' the
        number of revolutions of the part provided on the vehicle to
        connect it to the taximeter .
1.2.1 . Constant , k , ®f the taximeter
        The constant , k , of a taximeter is a characteristic quantity
        that indicates the type and number of signals that the instru­
        ment must receive in order to give correctly a reading corres-*
        ponding to a distance travelled of 1 km .
        This constant , k , is expressed
        ( a) in revolutions per indicated kilometre ( rev/km ) if the in­
              formation relating to the distance travelled by the vehicle
              is fed into the taximeter in the form of a number of revo­
              lutions of its main shaft ( drive shaft at point of entry
              to the instrument ):
        ( b ) in pulses per indicated kilometre ( pulse/km ) if this infor­
              mation is fed in in the form of electric signals .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 5 -
           According to the way in which the instrument is constructed ,
           constant k may be invariable or variable by fixed amounts ,
1,2,2 ,    Characteristic coefficient , w , of the vehicle
           The characteristic coefficient of a vehicle is a quantity in­
           dicating the- type and number of signals intended to drive the
           taximeter and displayed at the corresponding part provided for
           this purpose in the vehicle , for 1 kilometre of distance tra­
           velled *     .                                   ,
           This coefficient w is expressed s
           ( a) in revolutions per kilometre travelled ( rev/km ), or
           ( b ) in pulses per kilometre travelled (pulse/km ), depending on
                 whether the information relating to the distance travelled
                 by the vehicle is in the form of the number of revolutions
                 of the part driving the taximeter or in the form of electric
                 signals *
           This coefficient varies as a function of several factors , in
           particular the wear and pressure of the tyres , the load carried
           by the vehicle and the conditions in which the journey is made .
    '      It must be determined under the standard testing conditions
           f^r the vehicle ( Section 1.2 . 6 . ),
1,2 , 3 » Effective circumference , u , (mm) of the wheels
           Effective circumference , u , of the wheel of the vehicle which
           drives the taximeter directly or indirectly is the distance
           travelled by the vehicle during one complete revolution of this
           wheel . When two wheels drive the taximeter jointly , the -effec­
           tive circumference is the mean of the effective circumferences
           of each of the two wheels , expressed in millimetres .
           Effective circumference , u , is correlated with characteristic
           coefficient , w , of the vehicle ( Section 1 . 2.2 .), and consequent­
           ly this circumference , if it is necessary to know it , must
           also be determined under the conditions given in Section 1,2 . 6 ,
1«2,*f ,   Adapting device          '   .
           In accordance with the definitions given above for k ( Section
           1,2.1 ,) and for w ( Section 1.2 . 2 .), the values of these quan­
           tities must be equal if the taximeter is to record correctly
           the distances travelled ,
          'A special device enables one of the two values to be adjusted
           to the other .
                                                               I
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 6 -
1.2.5 . Errors and dispersion of readings
        The dispersions and errors mentioned in Section 5 are instru­
        mental dispersions and errors , i.e. they originate solely from
        the instruments independently of the vehicles .
        The spread ( range of dispersion ) of the readings is expressed
        as the greatest difference between the readings from a taxi­
        meter which correspond to a given value of the quantity measured .
                                                                  * t
1.2.6 . Standard testing conditions for the vehicle ( where inspection
        of taximeters is concerned )
        The " standard testing conditions for the vehicle " are fulfilled
        when :
        ( a ) The tyres fitted to the wheel or wheels driving the taxi-
              deter are of the model which has the same effective circum­
              ference value , u , as the wheels that were used to deter­
              mine characteristic ceefficient ,w .
              They must be in good condition and be inflated to the pres­
              sure prescribed by the manufacturer .
        ( b ) The load carried by the vehicle is 150 kg , which corresponds
              by convention to the weight of two adults , including the
              driver ."
        ( c ) The vehicle , propelled by its engine , travels in a straight
              line on flat , horizontal ground at a speed of ^0 km/h .
        Where the tests are carried out under different conditions ( e,.g .
        at different weights , different speeds , bench tests , etc .),
        their results will be corrected by the coefficients for conver­
        sion needed to convert their value to that which would have
        been obtained under the " normal test conditions " defined above .
2.      Authorized units of measurement
        The following units of measurement are authorized for the
        readings avoided or displayed by taximeters :
        - the metre or the kilometre , for distance . However , until
            expiry of the transitional period during which the use of
            measurement units under the Imperial System , given in An­
            nex II to the Council Directive of 18 October 1971 on units
            of measurement , is authorized within the Community , distances
            may be expressed in yards or miles in the United Kingdom or
            Ireland if those countries so desire ;
                                                                      •/ •
 ---pagebreak---              - the second , the minute , or the hour , for time .
                                                              . .     m
             The fare mue-t be expressed in currency which is legal tender
             in the country where the vehicle is registered .
                                                                   "\
3.           Technical characteristics                  .
3.t«         Measuring device and calculating device
3.1.1 .      The taximeter must be so constructed as to calculate and indi­
             cate the fare 6olely on the basis of :
                                                                      • 141
             ( a) tho distance travelled ( distance-based drive ) when the
                  vehicle is msving at a speed greater than a given speed
                  ( speed at which the drive base changes )}
             (b ) the time ( time-based drive ) when the vehicle is moving at
                  a speed below this given speed .
         ' The speed at which the drive base changes is that corresponding
             to the fare rate applied in the case of time-based drive , di­
             vided by the rate applied when the taximeter is operating in
             the distance-based mode .
             The above-mentioned speed at which the drive base changes varies
             as a function of the rates per hour and per kilometre , which
             may be modified in accordance with Section 3 * 1*5 *
3.1.2 .      The distance-based drive must be effected by the wheels , but
             reversing the vehicle must not result in a reduction in the
             fare or distance indicated .-
                            i   ' ' . .                 •
           • The time-based drive must be effected by a mechanical or elec-
        ' trical clockwork movement which can be activated only by opera­
             ting the control switch of the taximeter .
             If the mechanical clockwork movement is manually wound , it must
             function for eight hours at least without having to be rewound ,
             or for two hours if there is a winding system connected with
             each manual movement leading to activation of the taximeter .
             If the mechanical cleckwork movement is electrically wound ,
             the process must be automatic .
             The electrical clockwork movement must be constantly ready to
             function .
 ---pagebreak--- With distance-based drive , the first change in reading must
take place after an initial distance , laid down in accordance
with the tariff regulations in the various Member States , has
been covered . The subsequent changes on the indicator must
correspond to equal distance intervals .
With time-based drive , the first change in reading must take
place after an initial time lapse laid down in accordance with
the national tariff regulations . The subsequent changes on
the indicator must correspond to equal time intervals .
Without   any change in the drive base , the ratio between the
initial   distance and the subsequent distances must be the same
as that   between the initial time lapse and the subsequent time
lapses ,  whatever tariff is used .
An adapting device ( speed conversion device ), must enable cons­
tant k of the taximeter to be adapted to characteristic Value
w of the vehicle to which it is fitted .     This device must be
so constructed that no access to other parts of the taximeter
can be gained by opening the housing .
The taximeter must be designed in such a way that any modifica­
tions to the calculating device which are necessary to comply
with rate changes required by the tariff regulations in the
various Member States can be easily effected .
When the instrument is equipped to deal with a wider range of
rates than is currently in force , the taximeters must , in all
the supernumerary positions , calculate and indicate a fare
based on one of the rates authorized by the tariff regulations
in the various Member States .
Control switch
The mechanism of the taximeter must not be capable of function­
ing until it has been activated by, a single control switch
turned to one of the following authorized positions :
"FOR HIRE" position
In the "FOR HIRE " position :
( a) There shall be no indication of a fare to be paid , or this
      indication shall be equivalent to zero ;
( b ) The distance-based . drive and the time-based drive must not
      affect the device, indicating the fare to be paid ;
 ---pagebreak---                                            - 9
              ( e ) The odometer indicating the total distance travelled ( Sec­
                      tion 3«3»6(a) ) , if one has been installed , must remain in
                     operation ;
              ( d ) Any device to indicate possible surcharges ( Section 3.*f,(a))
                     must be blank or indicate " zero ".
3»2.3 »      Other positions
             The control switch piust be such that , starting from the "FOR
             HIRE" position , the taximeter can be switched in succession to
             the following operating positions :
             ( a) various operating positions corresponding to the different
                     fare rates in force in ascending order of magnitude or in
                     another order authorized by the national tariff regulations
                     in the various Member States ; in these positions , the time-
                     based drive , the distance-based drive and any surcharge
                     indicator must be switched on . .
             ( b ) a "FARE" position fixing the final amount to be paid by the
                     passenger for the journey , exclusive of any surcharge . In
                     this position , the tirae-based drive must be disconnected
                     and the distance-based drive must be switched to the rate
                     authorized by the relevant regulations in the Member States .
             Operation of the control switch is subject to the following
             restrxctxons :
           «
             ( a ) starting from an operating position at any fare rate , the
                     taximeter must not be. capable of being returned to the
                     "FOR HIRE" position without passing through the "FARE"
                     position . However , transition from one rate to another
                     must still be possible ;                     ,
        . . ( b ) starting from the "FARE" position , the taximeter must not
                     be capable of being .returned to the operating position at
                   , any fare rate without passing through the "FOR HIRE" position ^
             ( c ) the taximeter must be so designed that switching from one
                     rate to another by passing through the ''FOR HIRE" position
                     is possible only if the conditions laid down for the con­
                     trol switch in respect of this position ( Section 3»2.2 .)
                     are completely fulfilled when . the switch passes through
                     this position ;
             ( d ) it must be impossible to position the control switch such
                     that it remains in positions other than those defined above#
                                                                              »/•
 ---pagebreak---                                         - 10 -
3.2.5 ,      Spécial provisions
             Irrespective of the requirements set out above , movement through
             the series of different positions may also be effected automa­
             tically as a function of a given distance travelled or of a
             time during which the vehicle was occupied , as laid down by
             the tariff regulations of the various Member States .
3.3 »        Indicator
3«^»1 »      The " dial " or " read-out " of the taximeter must be so constructed
             that such information as interests the passenger can be easily
             read by him either by day or by night ,
3«3»2 .      The fare to be paid , exclusive of any surcharge , must be ascer­
             tainable simply by reading a display comprising a row of figures
             having a minimum height of 10 mm .
             When the control switch is operated to switch the instrument
             from s the "FOR HIRE " position , a fixed amount corresponding to
           ' the minimum charge must appear on the indicator *
             Thereafter , when the minimum charge has been exceeded , the in­
             dication of the fare read-out must register at intervals suc­
             cessive increments of a constant monetary value .
3*?»3 »      The taximeter must be fitted with a device which constantly
             indicates the selected operating position on the dial in com­
             pliance with the national requirements .
3.3 « iU     The taximeter must be so design as to allow a control switch
             repeater which indicates on the outside of the vehicle the ope­
             rating position or the rate in use , to be fitted .
         ^ The repeater must in no case disturb the' correct functioning
             of the instrument or enable access to be gained to the mecha­
             nism or to the drive of the taximeter .
3»3«5 «      If the obligatory indications on the dial are not presented
             in the form of luminous figures or letters , the taximeter must
             incorporate a device to illuminate these indications which
             does not dazzle but is strong enough to enable them to be read
             easily .
             It must be possible to replace the light source without opening
             the sealed parts of the instrument .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 11 ~
3*3*6 * The taximeter must incorporate counters giving d read-out , in
        rows of figures at least 4 mm high , of :
         ( a) the total distance travelled by the vehicle ;
         ( b ) the total distance travelled with passengers ;
         ( c ) the total number of journeys with passengers ;
        ( d ) the number of fare increment transitions registered in
               accordance with national regulations ,                 »
3.'U    Optional supplément arv devices
        A taximeter may be fitted inter alia with such supplementary
        devices as :
        ( a) a surcharge indicator independent of the fare indicator
               mentioned in Section 3-2.2 . which automatically returns to
               zero in the "FOR HIRE" position ;
        ( b ) recording devices of interest to the vehicle owner from a
               supervisory point of view ;
        ( c ) card-stamping or tape-printing devices indicating the fares
               to be paid .
        ( d ) a control switch repeater which indicates on the outside
               of the vehicle the operating position or the rate in use#
3.5 .   Construction
3*5*1 « Taximeters must be robust and well built *     Their essential com­
        ponents must be made of materials that guarantee adequate robust­
        ness and stability .
3*5*2 * The housing of the taximeter itself and of any adapter , and the
        cladding of the drive mechanisms must be so constructed that
        the essential components of the mechanism cannot be interfered
        with from , outside and are protected against dust and moisture .
                      ♦               -
        Access to the setting mechanisms without damaging the guarantee
        se^ls must be made impossible ( Section 6 ).
4*
4,1 ,   General narkinçs
        Every taximeter must bear the following markings , easily visible
        and legible under normal conditions of installation , on the 1
        dial or a sealed in plate :
                                                                        •/ *
 ---pagebreak---                               ~ 12 ~
 ( a) the manufacturer 's name and address or mark ;
 ( b ) the pattern designation of the instrument , its number and
        year of manufacture ;
 ( c ) the EEC pattern approval mark ;
 ( d ) its constant , k , expressed in rev/km or pulse/km ( Section
        1.2.1 .).
Identification and supervision
There must be spaces on every taximeter for the following t
 ( a) additional information , where necessary , on the instrument
        or the vehicle in accordance with the provisions of the
        national regulations ;    .
 (b ) tho EEC partial initial verification marks and periodic
      ' verification marks , if necessary .
Sgecial markings
The meaning of the values indicated must be displayed clearly ^
legibly and unambiguously in the vicinity of all indicator
read-out faces .
The name or symbol of the monetary unit must be displayed next
to the indication of the fare or surcharge due .
Maximum sprend of readings and m^xicum permissible errors
To r the test bench inspection of a time-distance meter which
is ready for installation and has been fitted with its acces­
sories , the true value shall be that which corresponds to the
It value displayed on the instrument and to the fare rate for
which the instrument has been set , this rate being selected ,
so as not to introduce any systematic error .                   '
With distance-based drive , the spread of readings for any
given distance travelled must not exceed :
                    \
 ( a ) for the initial distance : 2 % of the true value ;
        however , for initial distances of less than 1 000 metres ,
        a spread of 20 metres is acceptable ; ,
 ( b ) for subsequent distances : 2 % of the true value .
With time-based drive , the spread of the readings for a given
period must not exceed :
 ---pagebreak--- ( a) for the initial period : 3 % of the true value ;
      however ., for initial periods of less than 10 minutes , a
      spread of 20 seconds is acceptable ;
( b ) for subsequent periods ; 3 % of the true value .
The true value must fall within the spread of readings .
National regulations shall stipulate whether the complete measure­
ment system ( taximeter + vehicle ) must be adjusted in such a way
that the permissible spread of readings is symmetric or asymme­
tric in relation to the true value , which , for distance-based
drive , is that which corresponds to the actual distance travelled
by the vehicle .
Protective and guarantee seals
The following taximeter components must be so constructed that
they can be sealed with a seal mark :
( a) the housing in which the internal mechanism of the taximeter
      is enclosed ;
( b ) the housing of the adapter ;
( c ) the cladding of the mechanical or electrical devices which
      link the input of the taximeter with the corresponding
      attachment provided on the vehicle for the connection of the
      instrument , including the detachable parts of the adapter ;
( d ) when the clockwork mechanisms are electrically wound and the .
      taximeter control switch is electrically driven : the elec-
      trio connection cable ;                   >
( e ) any plates for obligatory markings or for fixing verifica­
      tion marks .
These seals must be- such that all access to the protected com­
ponents , particularly to the setting conponents , is impossible
without damaging a seal mark .
                                          –                      « »
The EEC pattern approval shall lay down where the seals Ehall
be placed and , whenever necessary , the nature and form of the
sealing devices .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 14 -
7.    Inspection and installation
7*1 • The EEC initial verification of a taximeter shall be carried
      out in several stages .
7#2 « First stage : the taximeter shall be accorded the EEC partial
      initial verification mark when :
       ( a) its pattern has received EEC pattern approval ;
       ( b ) the instrument conforms to the approved pattern and , in
                particular bears the markings required by Section        of
                this Annex ;
       ( c ) the true value of constant k is equal to the value of k for
                an instrument which is at least accurate to within 0.2 % \
      ( d ) the spread of readings for a given value of the quantity
               being measured complies with the provisions in Sections 5*1 •
                and 5*2 . of this Annex .
7»3 * Supplementary operations
      These shall be the responsibility of the authorities in the
      country where the taximeter is to be used .
      They include
      - prior to installation on the vehicle :
           ( a) regulation of the instrument in 6uch a way that the range
                  of values within which the permitted readings fall shall
          i       be set in relation to the " true value " indicated by the
                  instrument in compliance with the national regulations
                  ( Section      of this Annex );
            ( b ) regulation and inspection of the fare rates in compliance
                  with the regulations in force .
      •• after installation on the vehicle :
           inspection of the measuring assembly thus constructed .