TfL remind taxi drivers they MUST ACCEPT card payments ONLY via an approved fixed device

Transport for London (TfL) have reminded the capital's taxi drivers that they must only accept card payments and contactless payments via one of their approved fixed terminal devices.

Reminding drivers that handheld devices are not approved and "do not meet licensing requirements" has kicked up a storm on social media with many Twitter users slamming the rules.

One user wrote: "Why aren't they? If they accept payment the same as other and can issue a printed receipt, I don't see why this is a problem."

Another wrote: "Rubbish. My device is a handheld one that is also able to be fitted in back & is authorised payment taker, whether it's in back or in my hand is nothing to do with TfL."

Others raised concerns about a number of issues which come with only using certain fixed terminals.

One person said: "£30 fare, passenger doesn't have cash and the fixed system in the cab doesn't work, what happens then?"

Another pointed out issues with the signal, saying: "And when the signal goes down the passenger is late for the train, the driver loses the fare with no backup."

A taxi driver pointed out the costs he had to pay for a single week's worth of transactions through a TfL approved terminal. He wrote: "One weeks charges to me for customers convenience of using payment cards - £65.18!

"This is a completely unacceptable situation. TfL employees might feel aggrieved if that was taken from their wages each week. This needs to be challenged."