Private hire charges forward - The vehicles helping to clean London's air - Transport for London
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THE GREEN ISSUE! How new technology is fuelling a cleaner future
ISSUE 22 / AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Brought to you by Transport for London
Wellbeing
How to get a better
night's sleep in
10 easy steps
Private hire charges forward
The vehicles helping to clean London's air
Keep your vehicle Caring for our Introducing
safe and secure vulnerable customers the Dynamo
See our expert advice Become a Dementia Friend The first all-electric taxi
Tell your
passengers
to belt up!
Drivers should encourage all
adult passengers to wear a
seatbelt for their safety and
comfort, and make sure all
children are appropriately
seated and restrained.
Drivers can be issued
with a fine of up to £500
for seat belt offences.
Find out more at
gov.uk/seat-belts-law
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Last year a number of you responded the features you said you liked – such
Welcome to an OnRoute survey telling us what
you wanted from the magazine. Almost
as technological innovation, road
works and advice on re-routing, and
twice as many respondents said they information on changes to and new taxi
preferred to read OnRoute in its digital and private hire policy and legislation.
format, so we’ve been working to In this issue we look at how private
produce this version of the magazine, hire companies and drivers are helping
making it much easier to read on your improve London’s air quality and the
phone or iPad. taxi delicensing scheme.We also focus
We’ve also listened to what you on safety, security and wellbeing. We’d
told us about the content of the love to know what you think. Just drop
magazine, so as to bring you more of us a line at OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk.
Contents
13 18 The Manual
Policies, consultations
and legislation
Everything
you need to
4
know about...
Vehicle security 22
Wellbeing
Driving seat
Putting you at
the heart of taxi
16 The big picture
The all-electric
Dynamo taxi revealed
The key to getting
a good night's sleep
and private hire
8 Electric
revolution
27
Infocentral
How private hire OnRoute’s at-a-glance
is cleaning up its act directory of useful contacts
Contact us at OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk
London Taxi & Private Hire, 5 Endeavour Square, London E20 1JN. For general enquiries: tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk. Visit the TfL website: tfl.gov.uk/tph
Call 0343 222 4444 (lines open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday) for operator and driver licensing enquiries and the Knowledge enquiries.
Call 0343 222 5555 for vehicle licensing appointments and enquiries. TPH news on Twitter: @TfLTPH. For constant updates on diversions,
congestion and accidents: @TfLTrafficNews (roads). TfL produces a weekly email with information on current and forthcoming road closures and
diversions, if you would like to receive this, please contact tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk The views expressed in OnRoute are not necessarily those of TfL.
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Driving seat
Putting you at the heart of taxi and private hire
WELLBEING
Tell your Staying healthy
passengers Following discussions with the trades, TfL has added a wellbeing page
to belt up! tfl.gov.uk/tph-wellbeing to the TPH section of its website. It contains
information from a range of organisations that have specialist knowledge
Drivers should encourage all
adult passengers to wear a
in the fields of health and wellbeing. The aim is to empower licensees to
seatbelt for their safety and seek help if they feel they need it and provides a range of options for them
comfort, and make sure all
children are appropriately
to access support and advice.
seated and restrained.
A veteran on Remembrance
Sunday with a heritage taxi
Drivers can be issued
with a fine of up to £500
for seat belt offences.
Find out more at
gov.uk/seat-belts-law
SAFETY
Buckle up
Drivers are being urged to encourage
all adult passengers to wear a seatbelt
when travelling in a taxi or
private hire vehicle.
When carrying CHARITY
children, they
must be in the
Wear your poppy taxi with pride
correct car seat This year, Remembrance Sunday falls on 10 November and this just happens
for their height and to be the tenth year Poppy Cabs will be carrying veterans from London’s
weight until they main rail stations to the ceremony on Whitehall and back
reach 135cm or their for free. If you’d like to volunteer your taxi and time to
12th birthday. this great cause, please tweet @PoppyCabs, or just
Drivers can turn up at a mainline station on the day. A fabulous
be fined up to £500 for FX4 London taxi ‘poppy’ badge is now available for
seatbelt offences. a minimum donation of £6 plus £2 p&p with all funds
being raised going to the Royal British Legion.
For the full interpretation of the law
visit www.gov.uk/seat-belts-law For more information, email Mike Hughes from @PoppyCabs
4
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
EVS George Parsons and Jeffrey Hayward
Supercharge at celebrate their 100th birthdays
the supermarket
ChargePoint Services, owner and
operator of the GeniePoint Network,
has installed rapid electric chargers at
Morrisons supermarkets nationwide.
Morrisons will provide its customers
with the fastest 50-100kW rapid
chargers, enabling those with electric
vehicles to charge them in around
20 minutes.
SAFETY
The first 15 chargers are now
Kill your speed up and running, including at the
Colindale (Edgware), Croydon
New cars sold in the UK from 2022 (Fiveways) and Watford branches of
are set to have devices fitted which Morrisons. By the end of the year, it
stop them breaking the speed limit. is hoped 100 chargers will have been CHARITIES
The Department for Transport (DfT) installed at Morrisons. When made
said new EU rules that have been
provisionally agreed would apply to
live, Zap-Map will include all new
charge points on the map.
A duo of centurions
the UK despite Brexit. On 15 August, the 74th anniversary of V-J day,
The GeniePoint Network is free to
Intelligent speed assistance is one the Taxi Charity helped two veterans celebrate their
join and there is no monthly fee
of a raft of safety measures set to 100th birthdays at the Union Jack Club.
- drivers pay for what they use.
become mandatory in European Jeffrey Hayward and Chelsea Pensioner, George
Register at www.geniepoint.co.uk
vehicles after the plans were given Parsons, were joined by a group of fellow veterans,
approval by the European Commission. family friends and their volunteer taxi drivers.
It is claimed the changes could The Taxi Charity was delighted its Patron,
help save more than 25,000 lives Vice-Admiral Sir Adrian Johns,
and avoid at least 140,000 serious was also able to attend.
injuries by 2038. The occasion provided
Intelligent speed assistance the opportunity for
systems will be able to work out the everyone to wish D-Day
exact speed limit while driving and will veteran Harry Bailey a
ensure that the car doesn’t exceed it. belated happy 98th. It
Other measures to be implemented was wonderful to see
into road safety standards include Harry back on his feet
automated emergency braking with again following a serious
GeniePoint rapid charger
pedestrian and cyclist detection. chest infection, and he
was clearly delighted with
the many gifts he received, all
Keep it clean themed on his reputation as the Taxi
Charity’s ‘collector extraordinaire.’
Drivers are being urged to keep their
What a wonderful day it was, and certainly
number plates clean as they could risk
a birthday party none of the sixty people lucky
a fine of £1,000 if they are obscured
enough to attend it will ever forget. Everybody had
by dirt. Although there is no law for
a great time and really enjoyed Jeffrey and George’s
having a dirty vehicle, a number plate
birthday cakes!
must be readable so it can be identified
as and when required. For more information on the charity,
go to www.taxicharity.com
5
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Driving seat
STaN TAXI PR
Staying All hail the TPH licensing
safe at street hail in numbers
night
This year,
London Taxi PR has launched a
new advertising and promotional
campaign, celebrating 365 years
22,893
TfL ran its
of hailing a London taxi. ‘All Hail the
Taxi drivers
annual Safer
Street Hail’, is being displayed on
19,088
Travel at Night
24 central London digital billboard
(STaN) operation
location sites and on some taxi
from 16 September to
rooftop display boards.
29 September to coincide with
With the increased usage of apps Taxi vehicle licences
universities' Freshers’ week, and then
to hail taxis, the ads serve as a
again between 2 December to 22
December in the run-up to Christmas.
This is a joint operation between
TfL, Metropolitan Police Service
reminder to the public of just how
easy and simple it is to hail a London
taxi on the street, rather than by
106,986
using a mobile phone. Private hire
and City of London Police, working driver licences
together to help make London safer
at night. It aims to deter, detect and
disrupt illegal and non-compliant
taxi and private hire activity. As part
of the operation, officers engaged
91,367
Private hire
with members of the public to raise vehicle licences
awareness of the rules around
taxi and private hire journeys, the
dangers of taking unbooked private
hire vehicles and how to report any
inappropriate behaviour including
2,179
Private hire operators
touching, remarks about their
appearance or anything that would The new London Taxi PR ad campaign
make them feel uncomfortable.
We encourage you to report any
unwanted sexual behaviour or Taxi rank news
inappropriate behaviour you
The next quarterly closure of Tower Bridge will take place between 15 to 19
see by calling the customer
October, from 22:00 to 05:00.
complaint line on 0343 222 4000,
A diversion will run as follows: Tower Hill - Lower Thames St - Upper
emailing, or filling in the online
Thames St - Southwark Bridge - Southwark St - Borough High Street -
complaints form.
Tooley St (And then reverse).
If you feel a customer may be Until April 2021, the whole rank at Kennington Oval (east side) will be
in immediate danger, call 999. suspended while the stadium is being extended.
All complaints and reports to The whole rank outside the Jumeriah Carlton Tower Hotel (Cadogan
TfL or the police will be fully Place) is suspended and the hotel closed until Monday 10 August 2020
investigated and appropriate while refurbishment takes place.
action will be taken.
6
A guide to assistance dogs Guide Dogs
for private hire drivers ‘We wear white
harnesses with yellow
Passengers with assistance dogs use private hire services fluorescent stripes.’
to make their way around the Capital. These are some of
the dogs you might come across. Please remember not all Guide dogs are for young
assistance dogs have a jacket to identify them. If in doubt, people and adults who are
you should allow the assistance dog to travel with their blind or partially sighted.
owner. Assistance dogs are your passengers too.
Hearing Dogs for Dog AID
Deaf People (Assistance in
‘We wear burgundy Disability)
jackets.’ ‘We wear red jackets.’
Hearing dogs are for adults Dog AID dogs are for
and children with hearing physically disabled adults.
impairments.
Canine Partners Dogs for Good
‘We wear purple jackets.’ ‘We wear green jackets.’
Canine Partners’ assistance Dogs for Good assistance
dogs are for physically dogs are for people with
disabled adults. physical disabilities, or
children with autism.
Support Dogs Medical
‘We wear blue jackets.’ Detection Dogs
Assistance dogs for ‘We wear red jackets.’
physically disabled adults,
Medical detection dogs are
seizure alert dogs for
for adults and children with
people with epilepsy, and
complex health conditions.
autism assistance dogs
for children with autism.
Did you know it is against the law to refuse or charge a passenger more because they have an assistance dog?
Private hire drivers and operators doing so could risk being prosecuted or losing their licence.
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Alternative technology vehicles
Welcome to
The measures will put the UK at the
forefront of a global revolution in
motoring and help to deliver cleaner
air, a better environment and a
strong clean economy. Both the taxi
the electric
and private hire trades in London
are playing their part by becoming
cleaner and green with the
introduction of zero emission capable
(ZEC) taxis and private hire companies
revolution
introducing a variety of greener
vehicles to their fleets.
In its Low emission taxi guide, which
includes private hire, the Low Carbon
Vehicle Partnership, along with the
Energy Saving Trust, lists the benefits
of adopting low emission vehicles.
In July this year, the Government released its Obviously, emitting fewer emissions
Road to Zero strategy, outlining the ambition will help to clean up the environment,
but additionally, drivers and operators
to see at least half of new cars to be ultra low replacing their vehicles with low
emission by 2030. emission models will not be required
to pay a charge to enter the Ultra Low
Emission Zone (ULEZ). There may also
be grants available, offering support
for buying newer, cleaner vehicles,
which may be cheaper to operate
than conventional and older
technology vehicles.
At present, 82 per cent of the
private hire fleet in London is ULEZ
compliant (either ZEC, petrol Euro
4 or diesel Euro 6) and the Mayor’s
ambition is for all road transport in the
Capital to be zero emission by 2050.
OnRoute talks to some of the
pioneering private hire companies
leading the charge.
“Sustainability
and good ethics
is at the heart
of our business.”
Jonny Goldstone, Green Tomato Cars
Charging a Nissan Leaf
8
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Green and clean corporate market and have managed “ Our Mirai drivers get free
Established in 2006, Green Tomato
Cars was the UK’s first all-hybrid
to grow the business back to about
350 company cars, plus owner/
fuel as well as premium rate
private hire operator and in 2016 it drivers. Our business is now about earnings when clients re-
achieved another first by adding 25
Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars,
90 per cent corporate – taking people
to the airport, events, roadshows
quest our Zero Emission ser-
creating the largest zero-emissions – although we still have a strong vice. It’s no surprise Mirai
fleet of private hire vehicles in the UK. following of loyal retail customers.’ driver earnings are well above
Jonny Goldstone (below) is the Most of the Green Tomato fleet
company's co-founder and managing still comprises Priuses. However, average Prius earnings”
director. ‘We started with four Priuses with the changes to the legislation Jonny Goldstone, Green Tomato Cars
and the business took off amazingly in London and the advent of suitable
quickly,’ he recalls. ‘On the first day zero emission vehicles, the company
we had 50 companies signed up, so has started replacing these with ZEC technology, our drivers need to be
that was a really exciting beginning. vehicles and it is about to add another able to refuel or charge their vehicles
‘We expanded quickly and grew 25 Mirais to its fleet. It also has a quickly, and they need to have a good
to 30 cars in the first year and then Tesla, 60 plug-in hybrid Mercedes and range. Our drivers use the public
added another 60. We got to 300 cars BMW vehicles, 35 Ford Galaxy people charging infrastructure around London
after about six years and then UBER carriers and works with its network and our Mirai drivers use the public
came to town. Like many operators, of owner/drivers using low emission hydrogen refuelling stations, but there
we lost drivers and business was vehicles or, for high end corporate needs to be much more charging
really tough. However, in the last clients, Mercedes V Class vehicles. infrastructure in place before we
two years we’ve refocused on our ‘When it comes to zero emission can confidently roll out pure electric
vehicles. At the moment it is a chicken
and egg situation – why would you
buy a plug-in car if you weren’t
confident of being able to plug it in?
The infrastructure has to be there first.
‘In the meantime, the Mirai is the
only zero emission option that ticks
all these boxes. It takes about three
minutes to fill the tank, which gives
you more than 300 miles range.
‘Green Tomato is a successful
business and we want to show
environmentally friendly businesses
can be financially viable, and that
it is the right thing to do. We want
to show other operators that this
business model can work. Currently,
we have more demand for our services
than we can manage. Back when we
started, only a small number of people
understood about environmentally
friendly vehicles. Nowadays, it’s the
norm. Businesses want to work with
us because they know we are helping
Green Tomato Cars' co-founder and managing director Jonny Goldstone
clean up London’s air quality.’
9
AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
What are the alternatives?
Charging a Kia Soul
The electric vehicle market grew regenerative braking, with lots of an electric motor. The only by-
19 per cent in 2018 with nearly little micro top-ups during normal products emitted by these vehicles
60,000 new plug-in electric cars driving. They have small-capacity are heat and water vapour. They
registered in the UK and a recent batteries so they can use both the typically have a range of 300 plus
poll by Go Ultra Low saw two in battery and engine in daily driving, miles on one tank of gas and the
three of respondents expecting rather than an extended zero- refuelling time can be under five
to drive electric in the future. But emissions electric range. Examples minutes. There are currently three
these are not the only alternatives of hybrids include the Toyota Prius models of hydrogen cars publicly
to diesel and petrol vehicles. (also available as a plug-in – see available: the Toyota Mirai (see
below) and the BMW 330e. page 12), the Hyundai Nexo, and
Battery electric the Honda Clarity, although several
vehicles (BEVs) Plug-in electric other companies are working to
Also known as pure electric cars, hybrids (PHEVs) develop hydrogen cars.
these have an internal electric These can be recharged by plugging
battery to power the car and no them into an external source of Liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
internal combustion engine to act electric power, as well as by their This is a blend of propane and
as back up when the battery is on-board engine and generator. butane. It is stored as a liquid under
powered down. They are recharged Charging the battery from the pressure and is almost colourless.
by plugging into the mains. grid can cost less than using the The combustion of LPG
They produce no tailpipe on-board engine, helping to reduce produces carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions and newer models operating costs. and water vapour, so there are
on the market offer a range of Examples of PHEVs include the no nasty emissions to pollute
around 100 miles, though many Prius, BMW i8 and VW Golf GTE. the atmosphere.
offer more. They typically have bigger battery Most diesel and petrol cars and
capacities than hybrids to enable taxis can be fitted with an LPG
Hybrids their longer electric range (anything conversion, turning them into
Hybrid cars are partially electrified from around 30 to 80 miles). ‘dual-fuel cars’.
vehicles that still have an internal For more information about the
combustion petrol or diesel engine Hydrogen gas new LPG conversion grant scheme
to drive the wheels or charge the Vehicles fitted with hydrogen fuel for Euro 5 diesel taxis, read the story
battery. They cannot be plugged cells use compressed hydrogen in The manual on page 19 or go to
in to recharge, instead they use to generate electricity to power TfL’s taxi delicensing page.
10AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Trial of the new all-electric Audi e-tron
Addison Lee Group has made a OR Where do the drivers highlighted that there could be a cost
range of industry leading investments charge the e-trons? benefit for our drivers if the vehicles
to help reduce emissions, including can be charged from a home
a carbon offsetting programme, a AL Two chauffeurs have in- charger. However, as VAT
£41m investment in 1,200 new ULEZ home chargers, one uses applies to electricity used
compliant VW Sharans and piloting a the charger at his gym and through on-street chargers,
partnership with Audi to integrate the others charge while they the total cost of ownership
recently launched all-electric luxury are on the move. would be roughly equal
SUV Audi e-tron into its London fleet. for drivers who have to
OR What’s the average rely solely on public and on
OnRoute How big is the AL fleet? charging time? street chargers. We would
like to see a change to this
Addison Lee We operate a fleet of AL The charge time can vary policy as VAT exemption on the
more than 5,000 vehicles in London. depending on the charger used and electricity from public chargers would
whether the chauffeur has a home significantly impact the likely uptake
OR What percentage is charger. Not all chauffeurs have off of electric vehicles among our drivers.
classified as ‘green’? street parking and some opted not to
have a home charger installed as they Addison Lee fully supports the Mayor’s
AL Our entire fleet is ULEZ compliant lived near to a public rapid charger. ambition to improve the Capital’s air
and our entire passenger and courier quality and has committed to have a
fleet is 100 per cent carbon neutral. The e-tron has a 95kW battery, which ZEC fleet by 2022. The trial with the
will typically take two hours to charge Audi e-tron has been a great success
OR When were the Audi cars on a rapid (50kW) charger or around and has provided us with invaluable
introduced and how many of them? 30 minutes on one of the new ultra- insights into the operator, driver and
rapid (150kW) chargers. vehicle experience of shifting to an
AL In May this year and there electric vehicle. We are keen to share
are five vehicles. OR Are the cars cost effective? the findings from this trial, particularly
the infrastructure challenges that
OR What do the drivers AL We have conducted a total cost London faces to enable a shift to
think of them? of ownership assessment which electric vehicles.
AL After initial apprehensions about
range and operational implications,
the chauffeurs quickly formed a very
positive opinion of the e-trons. In
fact, within a month they had become
so attached to them they really don’t
want to hand them back at the end
of the pilot.
OR Has anyone been experiencing
range anxiety?
AL The chauffeurs were concerned
about charging prior to the trial but,
once they began driving the cars and
got into the routine of charging, they
The e-tron takes two hours to charge on a rapid charger
were not anxious about the process.
11AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
A day in the life of a Mirai driver
Theo has been
driving a hydrogen-
powered Toyota
Mirai for Green
Tomato Cars since
December 2015
OnRoute Were you unsure about
driving this alternative technology?
THEO Yes, I was unsure about
fuelling - how often and how far Theo (right) with former Secretary
I could drive. All I wanted was a of State for Transport, Chris Grayling
brand new, comfortable and cool-
looking car with character. I also THEO The whole fuelling infrastructure zero emissions. If money was not an
wanted a car that I could use to is new, with just a few hydrogen issue, I will definitely buy a Mirai as I
drive senior and executive clients. stations in east and west London, hate having to hang around charging
A40 and M25 Cobham junctions. stations, waiting to charge up.
OR How do you find it now? That is not a problem, as when fully
tanked, you get more than 300 miles OR What would you say to urge other
THEO The Mirai is a very reliable, to drive and on average, we only drive private hire drivers driving more
practical, smooth and robust vehicle. about 150 miles a day. Anytime you polluting vehicles to go zero emission?
I’ve driven it daily since 2015 and it drive past a station, you just top up
has never stopped. We have been and it takes less than five minutes. THEO The Government and councils are
through narrow country lanes, encouraging businesses and industries
off roads and motorways during OR Talk us through a typical to be environmentally friendly. To
summer, autumn and winter periods. working day. reduce pollution and emissions, there
Through sleet and snow, heavy are charges for driving through most
puddles and rough road surfaces, THEO I normally start off by collecting major city roads in the EU so the cost
there has never been any mechanical a client who lives locally and is of private hire operations is rising.
or technical defect or loss of heading into central London, or for a To reduce operational cost, the advice
efficiency in its progress. business meeting abroad, hence to is to use low emission vehicles, so I'd
an airport. The day continues from say start investing in these vehicles
OR What are the best things about there, where pickups could be from for long-term sustainability.
driving it? within a three mile radius to outside
London or surrounding areas. Clients OR What would you say to customers
THEO It’s a very comfortable car and destinations differ on a daily basis to convince them to always use
to drive; so practical, smooth and and you gain different experiences environmentally friendly vehicles?
handles the roads very well. The car each day.
is also environmentally friendly, THEO There are environmentally
hence wherever I drive, I know I am OR If money was no option, friendly private hire car companies
not causing any pollution. would you buy a Mirai? available in London with similar
premiums to normal private hire
OR How often do you have to refuel THEO Driving the Mirai changes your operators. A simple internet search
the vehicle? perception of choice of car as it is will help you find these operators.
12AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
OnRoute: the inside story
VEHICLE SECURITY
Better safe
than sorry
One vehicle is stolen every
minute in England. Make sure
you keep your vehicle safe
from vehicle crime
13AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Inside story
These days, cars are more secure
than ever before, with manufacturers
to open and start their cars without
removing the keyless fob from their
In London, only 15
continually working on new security pocket. However, these can be per cent of car thefts
features. Investment in new
technology means that all new
vulnerable to relay attack where one
criminal holds a device up
result in a suspect
cars sold in the UK now against the front wall being identified
have an immobiliser or porch of a home,
and many are fitted searching for a
with an alarm and signal from the
double locking
as standard.
keyless fob.
The device
All volume produced
While car then relays the cars have a Thatcham
theft has fallen
significantly
key’s signal
to another
immobiliser fitted
since the mid- individual, who as standard
1990s, the latest is holding another
police figures show device against the
that reported car theft car door.
You can obtain further
incidents are now rising. To The car is effectively fooled
information from your local Crime
help keep your vehicle secure, follow into believing that the owner is
Prevention Officer at your local
our top tips below. within two metres with their key and
police station, or visit:
so the door opens. The signal is then
www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk
What the experts say relayed a second time, instructing
Thatcham Research was established the car to start. For further information on
by the motor insurance industry Thatcham security systems,
in 1969, with the specific aim of go to www.thatcham.org
containing or reducing the cost
of motor insurance claims while
maintaining safety standards.
Richard Billyeald is Thatcham’s Thatcham’s new safety rating
chief technical officer and says:
In March, Thatcham Research launched a new safety rating designed to
‘Staying ahead of the criminals is
warn vehicle buyers of the theft risk posed by models with insecure keyless
a game of cat and mouse. Just as
entry systems.
one loophole is closed, criminal
The rating labels each vehicle as either 'superior', 'good', 'basic', 'poor'
gangs find another to exploit.
or 'unacceptable' based on their vulnerability to thieves.
‘Carmakers are investing millions
Of the 11 cars the company has tested so far in 2019, six have received a
into digital security and are
'poor' rating as they had no way to prevent relay attack thefts. Tested cars
introducing fixes to thwart hi-tech
that earned a 'superior' rating all used more secure wireless technology for
thieves. These include keys which
their keyless entry/start systems, or key fobs that go to sleep when idle.
go to sleep so their signal cannot be
Richard Billyeald says: ‘We've seen too many examples of cars being
relayed, to switching to more secure
stolen in seconds from driveways. Most of the cars rated 'poor' would have
wireless technology and improving
achieved at least a 'good' rating had their keyless entry/start systems not
key encryption to reduce the risk of
been susceptible to the relay attack.
blank key programming.’
‘Security has come a long way since vehicle crime peaked in the early
1990s. But the layers of security added over the years count for nothing
Be aware of relay attacks
when they can be circumvented instantly by criminals using digital devices.’
Many modern vehicles use keyless
entry systems, which allow drivers
14AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Tracking Devices Top 10 security tips
If you own an expensive 1. A
lways remove the keys from your ignition and lock
vehicle or one which has your vehicle when leaving it. The same goes for closing
sentimental value, you windows and sunroofs.
could enhance security
further by adding a tracking 2. Most vehicles have a dead-locking system, in some cases
device which meets with the activated by pressing the lock button on your fob twice.
Thatcham Category 5 after
theft system criteria.
TX private Dead-locking your vehicle whenever you park ensures a
thief cannot smash a window and reach in to open the car
This means your vehicle's locking door from the inside.
location can be recorded on a
All TX taxis have
detailed mapping system so it 3. Thieves can attempt to jam the locking signal from your
private locking, which
can be located and recovered key fob, so always observe for visual confirmation that
securely locks the boot
quickly following a theft. your car has locked successfully (eg folding wing mirrors
compartment.
and flashing lights).
This works a bit like
the safe in a hotel
4. Never leave valuables on display. Lock them away in
room, where you enter
luggage or storage compartments instead.
a passcode to securely
lock the boot. Once
5. Park your vehicle in a secure well-lit location, in your own
activated, the boot
garage or a secure public garage if possible.
cannot be opened
until the passcode is
6. Not all vehicles have standard fit alarms and immobilisers.
re-entered, even if the
Check what security systems are on your car and
vehicle key is present.
if necessary look into Thatcham Research certified
‘aftermarket’ solutions.
Don't leave valuables on display in your vehicle
7. Be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour in your
neighbourhood to the police.
8. If your car has keyless entry, ask your dealer about
software upgrades and the availability of fobs which can
be turned off completely or that go to sleep when idle,
to prevent criminals relaying the signal (see opposite).
9. Store all keys (spares included) away from household
entry points, as far into your home as is possible,
hampering a criminal’s ability to detect and
relay its signal.
10. Faraday pouches and containers
can block the signal from
a keyless entry fob
too, but test they are
effective yourself.
15AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
The big picture
Introducing
the Dynamo
electric taxi
On 28 August, the first Nissan Dynamo taxi was
licensed by TFL as a taxi, having passed the Interior and body technical specs
London Taxi Conditions of Fitness assessment.
• Intelligent key • Locking holes for
The Dynamo is the first pure electric taxi licensed wheel chair ramp
• Reversing camera
in London and the second taxi model to meet • Double folded,
• AM/FM/CD system
TfL’s ZEC requirement. Along with LEVC’s TX, easy stow ramp
this vehicle will help to accelerate the growth of • Automatic
cleaner, green taxis on London’s roads to meet headlights • Wheel chair 4
stringent air quality targets. point fixing straps
• Rain sensing
windscreen wipers • 5 rear seats
Look out for more on the Dynamo taxi in our
spring issue. • Nissan carwings • Rear compartment
telematics system heating and lighting
e-NV200 Specification • Heated front seat, • Taxi door
Motor 80Kw electric motor steering wheel and locking system
Motor type AC synchronous door mirrors • Intercom, driver
Max motor output 80Kw/109 ps • Rapid charge port and passenger
(allowing 50kw • Taxi for hire
Battery type Laminated lithium ion
rapid charge) illuminated sign
Voltage 360
• Electric slide • Exclusive Dynamo
Capacity 40 Kwh
away step seating, with logos
Charging cable 6M long 3.5Kg weight
• Extra wide
Rapid charging 50Kw • Climate control
nearside door for
Driving modes D,b, eco, non eco wheel chair access • 6.6Kkw charger
Electricty consumption 165 Wh/km
• Panoramic sun-roof • Front fog lights
Range 170 Miles
16AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Five fantastic things about the new Dynamo...
Panoramic sunroof
passengers get a great view of London
80Kw electric motor
producing no harmful emissions
Rain sensing
windscreen wipers
automatically activated
by water droplets
Front wheel drive
with automatic transmission
and a single speed gear box 170 mile range
on a full charge with
maximum speed of 76mph
17AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
The manual
Tips, advice and policy updates from TfL
POLICY
Remember, remember the 1st of November
From 1 November 2019, no All exemptions granted to
taxi will be licensed to operate specific taxi vehicles or drivers
beyond its current age limit. prior to 1 November 2019 will
Taxi vehicle ages will continue be retained.
to be calculated from the date Exemptions will still be
of the vehicle’s first registration granted, but only in exceptional
with the DVLA under the Vehicle circumstances. All applications
and Excise Registration Act 1994. for an exemption will be assessed
Any licensed vehilcle that is on a case-by-case basis.
14 years old can be relicensed
for a full 12 months up until 31
0ctober. This will allow these Taxi age limit/maximum operating age
vehicles to operate into their Date effective Euro 2, 3, 4 Euro 6 Taxis newly Taxis that
15th year. and 5 diesel diesel taxis converted to meet the zero
Between 1 November 2020 taxis run on Liquid emission
and 1 November 2022, the age Petroleum Gas capable
limit of Euro 2, 3, 4 and 5 diesel (LPG) (ZEC) taxi
taxis will be reduced by one requirements
year, each year. The age limit
for ZEC taxis, Euro 6 vehicles and From 1
15 15 15 15
taxis newly converted to run on November 2019
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) will From 1
remain at 15 years throughout 14 15 15 15
November 2020
this period (see following story).
Taxi age limit exemptions will From 1
13 15 15 15
also be removed from 1 November November 2021
2019. This includes: From 1
12 15 15 15
• Alternative fuel conversion November 2022
exemptions (such as LPG)
• historic and classic/niche
vehicles exemptions Tax breaks for electric taxis
It was announced in July that the Government was introducing new legislation
• hardship/personal
to exempt electric taxis from the premium rate of vehicle excise duty.
circumstance exemptions
The move will push forward the Government’s ambition for net zero
Find out more go to the TPH emissions by 2050 by reducing costs for taxi drivers and companies who
pages on the TfL website. purchase ZEC taxis over conventional petrol or diesel models.
18AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
POLICY POLICY
Gas guzzlers Taxi
From 1 November 2019, newly converted delicensing
liquid petroleum gas (LPG) taxis will have
a 15 year age limit. A new LPG conversion payments
grant scheme will be made available in
November to convert a limited number The taxi delicensing fund
of Euro 5 diesel taxis. supports taxi drivers who
The £5 million fund will provide £5,000 want to delicense their Euro
each for up to 1,000 owners of eligible Euro 3, 4 or 5 vehicles.
5 diesel taxis to convert to LPG. There is If you are the owner of a
more information available on TfL’s taxi diesel taxi that is less than
delicensing page. 15 years old you may be able to
If you want to express interest in applying surrender your taxi vehicle licence
for an LPG conversion grant, please send and plate in exchange for a payment
an email. You will then be contacted when from TfL. Once a taxi vehicle licence has been
the application process opens. This does not surrendered and the vehicle is delicensed it cannot
constitute an application. be licensed in London again.
LPG-converted taxis with an alternative The scheme has £42m of funding and is expected to
fuel conversion age limit exemption granted help around 5,000 taxi drivers to go green. The scheme
before 1 November 2019 will retain their could help reduce NOx taxi emissions by as much as
maximum operating age of 20 years. 20 per cent.
Top payments of £10,000 were available to the first
CONSULTATION 1,250 applicants, with tiered payment levels available
to subsequent applicants. More than 4,400 applications
Fares fair for taxis have been received and applications made now would be
eligible for a maximum payment of £8,000:
There were 2,624 responses to TfL’s recent
taxi fare consultation. Proposals included
Payment breakdown
increasing the minimum fare and certain
tariffs, while maintaining other tariffs at
current levels. Eligible Payments Delicensing
The plan would see the minimum fare vehicles available payment
increase by 20 pence, taking it from £3 to 1,250 £10,000
£3.20 and also increasing Tariffs 1 and 2,
while Tariffs 3 and 4 would be frozen as 1,100 £9,000
TfL believes increasing these would have Taxis younger
850 £8,000
a negative impact on both taxi users and than 13 years
500 £7,000
drivers. Respondents were also asked their
views on: 400 £6,000
• Extending the arrangements in place to 13 and 14-
cover significant increases or decreases 1,000 £1,000
year-old taxis
in the price of diesel
• Increasing the fixed fares for shared taxis
Anyone applying for the scheme will be placed in a queue
from Euston Station to Lord’s Cricket Ground
and given a number. If you have applied and have not
by 50 pence when Tariffs 1 and 2 apply
yet heard from TfL, you do not need to take any further
• Changing when the tariff rate for journeys action. Your application will be processed and you will
of more than six miles (Tariff 4) starts be contacted by TfL as soon as possible.
19AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
The manual
BEST PRACTICE
The lowdown on spit kits
Being spat at is a nasty – and at you. They are widely available
very personal – form of to purchase online and cost
assault. But taxi and private just a few pounds.
hire drivers can take positive Spit kits are now also being
action by carrying a spit kit in used by NCP Parking attendants,
their vehicle so spitters can be bus drivers and NHS staff, as
identified and prosecuted. well as many other public-
The kits were first trialled in facing services.
2003, by London Underground If a correctly used spit kit
in partnership with the British is submitted to the police for
Transport Police. They have analysis, there is an 80 per cent
proved to be a really successful chance of identifying a suspect.
deterrent on the Tube by However, in many spitting cases
dramatically increasing the people don’t have a spit kit to
probability of conviction of hand or they use it incorrectly,
offenders. Of the cases taken to so here are a few pointers.
court in the last financial year
(2017/18) where a spit kit was
used, 90 per cent resulted in a
successful prosecution. Top tip
Kits contain a swab that can Do check the ‘use by’ date on Know your kit
be used to collect DNA samples your kit. Most have a shelf life When your kit arrives, check that
from saliva when someone spits of about two years. it contains everything it should:
• Instruction leaflet
• A sterile swab in tube
If you are a victim of a spitting incident • An exhibit bag
• One pair of sterile gloves
• Use your spit kit at the first available opportunity
• Only swab from the skin or clothing. Do not swab from
The process
surfaces that passengers have access to. This may lead to cross
1. Remove gloves from the sterile
contamination which could make the sample inadmissible
packaging and put them on
• Use the gloves supplied
2. E
nsure the seal is unbroken on the
• You should then write your full name and the date on the
swab tube (don’t use if it is broken)
tube’s label. Put the tube into the evidence bag and seal it,
then fill in the information panel on the front of the bag and
3. R
emove swab from sterile tube and
dispose of the gloves
apply cotton bud end directly on to
• The sealed bag should be taken to a police station as soon as the contaminated area (where it has
possible where you will be asked to write a witness statement landed on your skin or clothing)
(the police will help with this and also in filling in the
information panel on the bag, if this information is required) 4. I mmediately replace the swab in the
tube when this is done
20AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
LICENSING CONSULTATIONS
Uber London Have your say…
Limited The Government is currently running
licensing two consultations on electric vehicle
decision charging. Both close on 7 October 2019,
so make sure you have your say.
On Tuesday
24 September,
TfL announced Electric vehicle ambitious regulatory package
its decision smart charging in the world for electric vehicle
to issue The Government’s mission is infrastructure and will help
Uber London for all new cars and vans to be ensure the UK has one of the best
Limited (ULL) effectively zero emission by electric vehicle infrastructure in
with a two- 2040. For this to happen, our the world.
month private electricity system needs to be
hire operator able to meet the extra demand Key points include:
licence ahead of created by electric vehicles.
• Every new residential building
consideration of any potential Shifting the time of day when
with an associated car parking
further licensing application. an electric vehicle charges or
space to have a chargepoint
The new two-month licence modulating the rate of charge –
will have the same conditions known as smart charging - • Every residential building
that ULL has been subject to will help to reduce and manage undergoing major renovation
for the last 15 months, along the impact of electric vehicles with more than 10 car parking
with new conditions to ensure on the electricity system and spaces to have cable routes for
passenger safety. These cover maximise the use of clean, electric vehicle chargepoints in
ride sharing, appropriate renewable electricity. every car parking space
insurance and driver document The aim of this consultation
• Every new non-residential
checks by Uber. is to outline the Government's
building and every non-
TfL’s original decision not approach and objectives for
residential building undergoing
to license ULL has led to the smart charging of electric
a major renovation with more
app-based firm improving its vehicles and to seek views on the
than 10 car parking spaces
culture and governance. TfL is regulations it proposes to create
to have one chargepoint and
requesting additional material under the AEV Act in 2020.
cable routes for an electric
from ULL and this additional
vehicle chargepoint for one
information will help inform Electric vehicle
in five spaces
any future licensing decision. chargepoints in
A TfL spokesperson said: residential and non- • At least one chargepoint in
‘Uber London Limited has residential buildings existing non-residential
been granted a two-month This consultation proposes buildings with more than 20
private hire operator licence regulatory changes which car parking spaces, applicable
to allow for scrutiny of will result in thousands more from 2025.
additional information that chargepoints across the UK, in
we are requesting ahead of homes, new office blocks and To view and respond to these
consideration of any potential supermarkets. The policies it consultations, go to www.gov.
further licensing application.’ outlines represent the most uk/government/consultations
21AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Your wellbeing
Sleep tight
every night
Getting a good night’s sleep can
keep you safe and boost your mind
– here’s what to do to make sure
you get the rest you deserve.
22AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
According to the NHS, one in three of
us suffers from poor sleep. This makes us feel
the evening –it’s your reminder that it’s
probably time to get yourself to bed.
The ideal
grumpy and unable to concentrate and can temperature
Jot down thoughts
also have serious health implications such as
obesity, heart conditions and diabetes. Driver If the day’s worries are keeping you awake,
for sleeping
fatigue also causes thousands of road accidents have a notebook by your bed to jot down is from 18 to
a year as sleepiness reduces your reaction time.
In this, the first of our new series on wellbeing,
thoughts or to-dos that are keeping you up
at night. Once you do this, before bed, shut
24 degrees
we give you the top tips to getting a good the book up, symbolically shutting away
night’s sleep and staying safe on the roads. your bad thoughts and worries.
Put the phone away Lay off the pop
Bedrooms are for sleeping in so do your best Restrict the amount of caffeinated or fizzy
to get the phone out of the bedroom! This drinks you are having during the day. They
also applies to laptops and iPads, so power may boost your energy temporarily, but can
down electronics at least 30 minutes before seriously disrupt your sleep patterns.
going to bed. If you really can’t, be sure to
use your device’s Night Mode (if you have a Get some exercise
modern smartphone), which blocks out blue Even moderate exercise on a regular
spectrums of light. basis, such as swimming or walking, can help
relieve tension, leading to a better night’s
Experiment with time! sleep. Investing in an activity tracker, which
We sleep in 90-minute cycles. You should records the number of steps you walk, as
be getting five to six of these per night. This well as your heart rate, will help you monitor
works out between seven and a half and nine your health and wellbeing. Some activity
hours a night. Experiment by going to bed trackers even track your sleep, showing
earlier or later to see what works best for you. you when you’re in a light or restful state
throughout the night.
Relax and sleep will come
Make some time before going to bed to Avoid alcohol
relax: read a book, do some deep breathing, Alcohol might help you nod off in the first
have a good stretch or a warm bath. You place, but even just a couple of drinks can
could also listen to some relaxing music or affect the quality of your sleep. If you are
download and use a meditation app. going to have a drink, try to avoid it too close
to bedtime. Give your body time to process
Eat well, and not too late the alcohol. On average it takes around an
Leave two or three hours between your last hour to process one unit (a pint of four per
meal and bedtime and don’t pile into the cent beer is two units).
carbs – plates of pizza and pasta are more
likely to keep you awake than fish, turkey, Get tech help
eggs, nuts and whole grains. These all contain Download the headspace app. This teaches
B vitamins which regulate melatonin, a you how to meditate, which has been
hormone that regulates your sleep cycles. shown to help people stress less, focus more
and sleep better. Sleep meditations create
But don’t force it the inner conditions needed to settle the
Don’t try and force yourself to sleep. The mind, and that restfulness is what makes it Check out the new
sleep cycle starts with a dip in melatonin easier to wind down and drift off. For more health and wellbeing
so notice when you start to get tired in information go to www.headspace.com pages on the TfL website
23AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Taxicard update
Taxicard, what's new?
Taxicard provides subsidised
taxi and private hire
journeys to approximately
57,000 Londoners with
mobility impairments or
who are visually-impaired.
The scheme is funded by TfL and the boroughs
and contracted to CityFleet.
Members make more than a million journeys
a year and it’s a lifeline to many people Taxicard helps its members get out and about
who wouldn’t be able to get to important
appointments, or visit friends and family, and London Councils and CityFleet would like
without it. to attract at least 400 more taxi drivers to do
In early 2019, changes were made to the Taxicard work. Any taxi drivers
scheme. These included the introduction of fixed CityFleet has already taken steps to attract interested in helping
price fares for customers and drivers. Although more drivers by reducing their weekly subscriptions to deliver Taxicard
the benefits to the customer were clear, the by £10, to 10 per cent of fares plus £5 until the can call 0208 962
changes proved unpopular with a number of end of 2019. 1800. If you quote
drivers doing Taxicard work. ‘OnRoute’ you will
To improve this situation, the way drivers are Future developments receive a special offer
paid was changed in July. It is now linked to Taxicard, wants to encourage new drivers to the of reduced subs for
the meter (although customers still pay a fixed scheme to help provide journeys to its members. three months.
per mile rate). A representative from London A drivers’ app is currently in the last stages of
The Taxicard service
Councils, which administers the scheme, told development and will be launched in the spring,
is also provided
OnRoute: ‘Taxis are essential to delivering this making it easier for licensed taxi drivers to help
by a network of
vital service for disabled and older people. We mobility and visually-impaired Londoners get
local private hire
recognise that while the fixed prices worked out and about.
companies. If you are
well for customers, they made Taxicard less As well as the app, taxi drivers who subscribe
a private hire driver
attractive for drivers. Returning to meter-based to cover Taxicard trips have the added benefit of
and the company you
payments will hopefully encourage more drivers maximising their earning potential using a new
work for is interested
to do Taxicard work.’ feature called Futures, which allows the driver to
in joining the Taxicard
This seems to be the case. Since July, bid for pre-booked trips up to a day in advance.
supply network, the
performance has increased significantly This is popular among suburban drivers as it means
company should
with more Taxicard users having their journeys they can schedule a day’s work to reduce their
contact our Service
covered on time. This means more of them downtime. The current device to receive trip offers
Partner team
can get out, see loved ones and enjoy all is being upgraded and drivers will soon be able
the other things Taxicard allows them to do. to select their Future trips from the comfort of
However, there is still room for improvement their own home.
24AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Dementia update
A helping hand
The taxi and private hire trades can
support some of the most vulnerable members
of society by becoming dementia friendly.
People living with dementia can find it difficult
to access public transport or to drive. This can Here are some ways
be especially distressing as they need to travel you can be more dementia friendly
to their GPs and to hospital appointments, collect
medicine from pharmacies and might need to Tips for drivers Tips for operators
shop more frequently. This is why so many rely
• Call or text pre-booked • Encourage staff to become
on taxis and private hire vehicles to get around.
passenger to remind them Dementia Friends (see below)
People with dementia can have challenges
of the pickup time
handling or recognising coins, using chip and • Join the local Dementia Friendly
pin credit cards, difficulty with automated call • Knock on doors and wait as it Community and get involved
menus or forgetting information like addresses might take the passenger some
• Make sure everyone is aware of
or destinations. However, there are plenty of time to get to the door
safeguarding measures to protect
things drivers and operators can do to help.
• Walk the passenger to the end vulnerable passengers
According to Esther Watts, Senior Dementia
destination so they arrive safely
Friendly Communities Officer for London, • If you have public-facing buildings,
Alzheimer’s Society, dementia is the greatest • Chat or provide updates of where remove or reduce physical or
health and social care challenge facing London you are to reassure the passenger sensory barriers so all spaces are
today. There are more than 72,000 people across and put them at ease as accessible as possible for visitors
London living with dementia, with many more
• Encourage the use of account • Encourage customer accounts
friends and family affected by the condition.
systems so passengers do not with the necessary information
As dementia progresses, navigating public
have to handle cash recorded, providing same regular
transport or driving a car can become highly
taxi driver, knocking on doors and
stressful situations for people living with • Drivers should be aware of identity
waiting to give them time to get up
dementia. By becoming dementia friendly and card schemes which provide
and to the door.
making small changes taxi and private hire drivers information on the passenger’s
can empower and enable people with dementia to condition and where they are • Offer reminder systems via call
live life as well as possible in their community. going to and from or text on the day of the trip
• Make sure passenger preferences • Consider how you could support
are recorded on booking systems your employees who might be
The Scottish Dementia Working group for future drivers carers or affected by dementia
has produced a video which gives
an overview of the challenges that
To find out more about dementia, go to Alzheimer’s Society website,
people with dementia might face when
or ring its helpline on 0300 222 11 22.
travelling. Go to YouTube and search
Travelling with Dementia. Find out if there is a local dementia community in your area and join
up to Dementia Friends
25AUTUMN/WINTER 2019
Rapid charger round-up
Get connected
Electric vehicle
charge points maps
Mayor’s electric map
The London electric vehicle charge
Hub sites
Rapid charge points - TfL is also developing
points map is a simplified map of rapid
the numbers rapid charge hub
charge points across Greater London
204 73
and up to the M25. The map shows:
sites to serve high-
mileage/business • Your nearest public and taxi-only
users who need charge points
Total Taxi only fast and available
• Charging speed
charging. Multiple
charge points in known • Which network the charge point
TfL has now delivered 204 rapid
locations help to increase is operated by
charge points across London.
consumer confidence that they will
The newest points are at: • Operating hours
find a reliable and available charger.
• I Limburg Road, Clapham Junction Currently, a hub site, to be delivered • Charge points delivered with
by the City of London in Baynard TfL’s support
• Russell Square (taxi only)
House car park, Queen Victoria Street,
• This map only shows TfL-funded
• 248 a and b Streatham High Street is being built. It is proposed the site
charge points in London. For a listTheydon Bois st
will have 10 rapid charging points with Watford station car park
• 24 Frogmore, Wandsworth Town car park of all the charge points across the
Barnet
at least half of these for taxis only.
capital use Zap-Map.
Edgware
A further hub site in Greenwich is in
the design phase. If planning approval
Finchley Wal tha mstow
Ro m
for this hub is granted, it is expected Harrow I lford
to be installed in the first quarter Da ge nh am
Uxbr i dg e
of 2020. This will have up to eight Sout hal l Eal ing
charging points, with a number likely Chiswick
Woolw i ch
to be dedicated for taxi use. Heathrow
Ric hm ond Lewi s ham
E lt ha m
TfL is also working with a number
Hounsl ow
Cl apham
Jun ct io n Bexley
of private landowners for the delivery Wimbl edon
Zap-Map app
Kingston
of further hub sites across London. Croydon Bromley
You can now easily access Zap-Map –
the electric charge point locator – on
Did you know…
your phone with the free to download
S ut ton
There are now more electric charging
app from the Apple App store
points across the UK than there are
(iOS) or from Google Play (for the
petrol stations. Figures from Zap-Map
Android app). The Zap-Map electric
show there are 9,300 electric vehicle
car charging app offers a UK-wide
charging stations compared with
Rapid electric charging point charging point map currently showing
8,400 fuel forecourts.
more than 6,000 charging locations
and 19,000 connectors. Clicking on
Got questions? Get answers! menu gives users the option to search
Go Ultra Low is a joint Government and car industry campaign providing all the UK charge points, filter charger or plan
facts and figures you need to make an informed choice about switching to an a route. In addition to the map view,
electric vehicle. Go to https://www.goultralow.com/ there is also a list view, accessible
from the navigation bar.
26You can also read
