Skip to main content

TfL policy to ensure private hire remains safe and convenient

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a policy statement in response to changes in the private hire industry and new services available. It aims to keep the capital at the forefront of regulating taxi and private hire services while maintaining the safety of passengers. As part of a series of changes to increase industry standards, TfL is advancing regulations to assess private hire drivers and applicants on safeguarding, disability, equality and knowledge of private hire vehicle (PHV) legislation as
February 19, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

1466 Transport for London (TfL) has launched a policy statement in response to changes in the private hire industry and new services available. It aims to keep the capital at the forefront of regulating taxi and private hire services while maintaining the safety of passengers.

As part of a series of changes to increase industry standards, TfL is advancing regulations to assess private hire drivers and applicants on safeguarding, disability, equality and knowledge of private hire vehicle (PHV) legislation as part of an enhanced driver assessment package.

In addition, TfL will consider proposals for consultation relating to an advanced driving test, PHV operator fleet insurance and PHV signage. It will also contemplate the impact of removing the Congestion Charge exemption for these vehicles.

New regulations could include strengthened requirements for operators to commit to safety as a high priority, and to take steps to ensure the safety of passengers as well as drivers dealing with difficult situations. They may also have to clearly state policies and action plans for the prevention and reporting of offences and for clear, named accountability at senior management level for safety, reporting and protection of personal data. In addition, operators may have to provide mechanisms that enable passengers to choose who they share vehicles with and establish how they might be able to make this decision before accepting a ride. Implementing insurance for the use of all PHVs with contingency insurance cover for ride-sharing and fleet insurance where appropriate may also be required.

The policy statement sets out TfL's expectations for these services, and its principles will inform future consultations on specific regulations. These will be designed to fit with the Mayor of London's ambition for a safe, active, sustainable and efficient transport network.

Other areas that form part of the vision and further details are available on the %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external website TFL Website link false https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/taxi-and-private-hire false false%>.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • E Ink partners with Papercast on smart bus stop project in Japan
    February 20, 2018
    Papercast's solar-powered e-paper passenger information displays will be utilised for a smart bus stop project in Japan's Aizuwakamatsu city as part of a partnership with E Ink Holdings. The project, administered by Aizu Riding Car Development (ARCD), aims to improve service convenience and reduce ongoing costs through digitally connecting bus stops. The multi-lingual displays are managed remotely via Papercast's data management platform to deliver live bus arrivals, timetables, route data, route transfers
  • Cream of the crop in contention for Innovation Award
    March 21, 2014
    Smart and innovative thinking is again about to be awarded here at Intertraffic Amsterdam, the world’s largest and best attended trade fair for the infrastructure, ITS traffic management, safety, parking, and smart mobility sectors. A total of 15 products have won through to the shortlist for the most innovative exhibits at the event. The official opening of Intertraffic Amsterdam 2014 takes place this morning from 08.30 to 09.30 at the Innovation Lab in the Elicium room where the winners of the Intertraffi
  • South Australia opens applications for fund to boost connected, autonomous car technology
    November 16, 2016
    The South Australian Government is inviting applications for a three-year US$7.5 million (AU$10 million) Future Mobility Lab Fund to boost local testing, research and development of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. From today, companies, industry bodies, research institutions and other organisations are able to submit creative proposals which will accelerate the development and implementation of connected and autonomous vehicle technology, focused on three themes:. Autonomous vehicle te
  • ODOT issues road user charge programme tender
    April 4, 2014
    The Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT’s) Office of Innovative Partnerships and Alternative Funding (OIPP) is releasing a series of procurement documents for acquiring equipment and services related to establishment of the state’s legislatively mandated road usage charge program (RUCP). This initial procurement will focus on full turnkey mileage collection and account management services. OIPP will contract directly with account managers but expects them to subcontract with mileage reporting device