NEW TFL TAXI REVIEW: What are the proposals and how will they affect black cabs?
Transport for London (TfL) have launched a new review focusing on improving standards and passenger safety across the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) sectors.
In all, the regulator is proposing 19 changes to improve safety and safeguarding for all passengers, especially children and vulnerable adults.
In July 2020, the Department for Transport (DfT) set out new standards to protect taxi and PHV passengers. The Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards are the result of detailed discussions with the taxi trade, regulators, safety campaign groups and a public consultation.
Most of the Standards are already in place in London. However, according to TfL, there are 10 which London still needs to comply with. The consultation will seek views on how to implement these remaining Standards.
There are nine additional proposals and a further four areas being reviewed, that the regulators believe will build on the DfT’s Standards.
What are the licensed taxi proposals?
The proposals that will affect the London taxi industry includes:
All taxi drivers, PHV drivers and PHV operators to inform TfL of any arrest and release charge or conviction of any offence within 48 hours.
All taxis and PHVs to display complaints signage. All taxi drivers and PHV drivers to ensure that the vehicle they are driving is displaying the signage.
Require a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) from applicants for a taxi driver, PHV operator and PHV driver licence to cover any periods outside the UK since the applicant was 18.
Introduce a mandatory safety, equality and regulatory understanding assessment for all new and renewing taxi drivers.
Monitor the speaking and listening skills taxi drivers demonstrate when completing the Knowledge of London to ensure that their English skills meet the objectives in the Standards.
Wherever possible, TfL will apply any new licensing policies immediately and where appropriate, when there are changes in licensing requirements TfL will review the licences already issued.
TfL will retain the DBS certificates for taxi drivers and PHV drivers where information is recorded.
There is also a separate question (part 2) seeking suggestions on how TfL can make taxis safer. The question focuses on how passengers could check if taxi drivers and taxis are licensed in advance of their trip, potentially in the form of a digital database.
