TARGETS: TfL EXCEEDING expectations set for initial taxi and PHV application assessments
Updated: May 29, 2023
Transport for London (TfL) are currently EXCEEDING targets put in place for initial taxi and private hire Vehicle (PHV) licence assessments, says Mayor of London.
As part of a recent written Mayor’s Question Time at the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon, a member of the assembly, inquired about the current turnaround time for new Black Taxi licences and renewals in the city. She suggested that the fully digitalised process should have led to faster services from the Taxi and Private Hire (TPH) team at TfL.
Mayor Sadiq Khan addressed the query by pointing out that only a few parts of the licensing process are currently digitalised. Although applications and renewals can be submitted online, many licensees still opt for paper applications. The licensing process has multiple stages and can involve requests for further information and clarification from applicants. Additionally, there are parts of the licensing process that are not under Transport for London's control, such as the completion of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and the provision of medical information.
Mayor Khan emphasised the need for TfL to ensure that each applicant is fit and proper to be licensed and that each application is judged on its individual merits. As such, TfL has set a target of 10 days to carry out the initial assessment of a Black Taxi or Private Hire driver application. However, the current turnaround time is an impressive two days, indicating that TfL is currently exceeding in this target.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Some, but not all, elements of the taxi driver licensing process are digitalised, however applicants and those seeking to renew a licence can still opt to submit a paper application and a significant proportion of taxi licensees choose to do so.
“The licensing process has several stages and can involve requests for further information or clarity from applicants. There are also elements of the licensing process that are outside of Transport for London’s control, such as the completion of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and the provision of medical information.
“It is essential that TfL ensures that every applicant is fit and proper to be licensed and that each application is judged on its individual merits.
“TfL has a target of undertaking an initial assessment of a taxi or private hire driver application in 10 days and this is currently being done in 2 days.”
