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

  • Stego’s IP56 has it covered for electronic enclosures
    March 20, 2018
    Keeping traffic control electronics humming along happily is what Stego’s hose-proof hood FFH 086 does. Water is a threat to electrics and electronics in harsh industrial environments or outdoor applications. Stego has on display examples of their made-to-measure FFH 086 for intake and exit opening in such enclosures.
  • Call for papers for 17th IRF world meeting and exhibition
    March 28, 2013
    The Technical and Scientific Committee of the 17th IRF world meeting and exhibition is inviting surface transportation experts and researchers from all over the world to submit paper abstracts for evaluation. Abstracts should reflect original research or innovation in technical, institutional, economic, business and policy issues that are relevant, recent and significant. This global event, to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 9-13, 2013, will provide a unique forum for sharing the latest industr
  • Self-driving bus collides with pedestrian in Vienna
    July 24, 2019
    A self-driving bus trial in the Austrian capital Vienna has been halted after a collision between a vehicle and pedestrian, says Bloomberg. Authorities are now investing the cause of the incident which led to minor injuries. According to Bloomberg, state broadcaster ORF says the Navya vehicle was driving at 7.5 miles per hour when it hit the 30-year-old woman in the knee. In a statement given to The Verge, Navya said witnesses had seen the pedestrian wearing headphones and looking at a mobile phon
  • ERTICO-ITS Europe issues World Congress website warning
    July 11, 2018
    ERTICO-ITS Europe, organiser of September’s ITS World Congress in Copenhagen, has warned that an unofficial website could confuse potential delegates and suggests that people avoid it. The official site of the Congress is www.itsworldcongress.com, but a site exists with a similar domain - itsworldcongress2018.org – offering hotel bookings and travel information. In a statement, ERTICO said: “This website does not represent the ITS World Congress and is not affiliated with ERTICO – ITS Europe or any of t