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%>.

Enforcement

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Finland leads the MaaS debate at London conference
    February 20, 2017
    Finland’s revolutionary attempts to change how public transport is provided, funded and managed will be top of the agenda at a ground-breaking mobility as a service (MaaS) conference in London on 22 and 23 March. The MaaS Market – Concept to Reality conference will feature keynote presentations from Anne Berner, Finland’s forward-thinking Minister of Transport, and Sampo Hietanen, CEO of MaaS Global. MaaS exploits developing technologies to allow populations to plan and buy all-inclusive transportat
    Read More
  • Petrol/diesel cars could be fined for using London’s ‘electric streets’
    September 4, 2018
    Drivers in London, UK, could be fined £130 for not using electric or hybrid vehicles on nine ‘electric streets’. The project is intended to cut pollution and improve air quality. Drivers of petrol and diesel cars will be restricted from using some roads in the Shoreditch and Old Street areas of the city between 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm on weekdays.
    Read More
  • Addison Lee and Oxbotica to implement AV services in London by 2021
    October 23, 2018
    Addison Lee has partnered with self-driving vehicle software company Oxbotica in a bid to bring autonomous ride-sharing services to London by 2021. Addison Lee, a UK private taxi hire firm, says it will also explore opportunities to provide corporate shuttles, airport and campus-based services. Andy Boland, CEO of Addison Lee, says: “By providing ride-sharing services, we can help address congestion, free space used for parking and improve urban air quality through zero-emission vehicles.” The partners
    Read More
  • Presentations from 2012 Connected Vehicle Safety Workshop now available online
    October 4, 2012
    PowerPoint presentations from September’s Connected Vehicle public meeting in Chicago are now available for viewing on the internet. The meeting, which was organised by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), focused on vehicle-to-vehicle safety, the current safety pilot model deployment, development of a robust vehicle-to-infrastructure environment, connected vehicle deployment strategies, and preparation for NHTSA's 2013 decision. In addition, participants had an opportunit
    Read More

Highlighted Content