Talking tea and taxi traditions - Transport for London
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ISSUE 13 /NOV-DEC 2017
Brought to you by Transport for London
Talking tea and
taxi traditions
Uber update For hire Words of Safe at night Checklist
Latest Renting a wisdom Advice for customers The newer
on licensing vehicle vs owning A chat with Compliance out after dark vehicle checker
CONTENTS 3
Contents Welcome.
The festive season is always a busy
8 18 12 time for the taxi and private hire
trades. What with Christmas,
New Year and the start of the sales,
Londoners and tourists alike need
Honouring What can to be able to get out and about, and
the fallen I tell you? home safely.
Poppy cabs on A seasoned
Remembrance compliance This issue of OnRoute explores TfL’s
Sunday officer talks to annual Safer Travel at Night operation
(p20) and the work of two compliance
a new recruit officers – an old hand and a new
12 21
recruit (p18).
Your safety and well-being while out
working is also important, so on p21
In dad’s find out how to report any threatening
footsteps No room 16 behaviour you may come across.
We talk to a for haters This time of year is often about
family of cabbies Standing spending time with your nearest and
together to tackle dearest, and in this issue we meet a
very special family of cabbies (p12).
15
hate crime
We hope you have an enjoyable and
busy time this festive season. If there
Smart buys
Checking out
22 is anything you would like us to cover
in our January issue, drop me a line at
OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk
the newer Out with
vehicle checker the old
London’s best
16
New Year’s
Eve events
22
Rent or buy? D Pilgrim
Why renting Editor
a vehicle is a
good option
8
Contact us at OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk
London Taxi and Private Hire for operator and driver licensing TfL produces a weekly email with
230 Blackfriars Road, London enquiries and the Knowledge enquiries. information on current and forthcoming
SE1 8PJ road closures and diversions. If you
0343 222 5555 for vehicle licensing would like to receive this, please contact
For general enquiries email: appointments and enquiries. tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk
tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk
Visit the TfL website: tfl.gov.uk/tph
TPH news on Twitter: @TfLTPH The views expressed in OnRoute In our next issue…
For constant updates on diversions, are not necessarily those of TfL.
0343 222 4444 (lines open from congestion and accidents:
08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday) @TfLTrafficNews (roads) rivacy guidance
P
for operators
Private hire drivers’ tales
Call 101, quote Operation Makesafe. Vehicle buying tips
www.met.police.uk
4 NEWS NEWS 5
News
Spread the magic Light relief
Gary Long and Lee
Suburban
taxi forum
This year’s Magical Taxi Tour took 170 Sheppard of LondonTaxiPR The next Suburban forum
have launched a new for the south west sectors
children with life-threatening illnesses campaign to raise (Sector 6: Merton and
to Disneyland Paris awareness of how simple Sutton, and Sector
it is to hail a taxi on the 7: Hounslow, Kingston
street. Lee explains: ‘Our and Richmond) will be on
The 100-strong taxi convoy started out from Canary Wharf campaign #lookforthelight Tuesday 21 November. Taxi
on 6 October and travelled down to Dover ferry port. At is all about what the lit taxi
some points it stretched to three miles and was escorted by
drivers from these sectors
sign means – that this are invited to attend from
City of London Police, London Ambulance Service and AA
is a safe, trusted and 11:00 to 13:00 at Palestra,
breakdown trucks.
respected service.’ 197 Blackfriars Road,
Once at Disneyland, the children enjoyed rides and a special
party attended by Mickey and his friends before making
The ‘look for the light’ London, SE1 8NJ.
the return trip on 8 October. None of this could happen message features on On Thursday 25 January,
without the taxi drivers giving up their time and telephone kiosks across the north west sectors
vehicles for free. London, and on 200,000 forum (Sector 8: Ealing and
pop-up banners appearing Hillingdon, and Sector
For more information, go to www.magicaltaxitour.com on apps when opened 9: Brent, Barnet and
in specific areas. Harrow) will also be held
A promotional video at Palestra from 11:00.
Taxis in bus lanes Latest trend of taxi drivers talking about
what the light means to Information on how to sign up
Taxis can now use the previously banned them can be viewed on can be found in the Meetings
right turn into Tooley Street from Tower Bridge YouTube (search section of tfl.gov.uk/TPH
Road. This allows more taxis into the Tooley
Street bus lane.
Transforming Oxford Street These are the topics
under LondonTaxiPR
promo shoot). Two-way at Absolutely
The Blackwall Tunnel southbound bus lane can
also now be used by taxis via Tunnel Avenue.
Drivers using the Euston underpass bus lane A consultation on Oxford How the proposals would
trending @TfLTPH:
There have been some
Baker Street Executive
are being asked not to set passengers down Street held earlier this year affect traffic flows in the great tweets about In October, Absolutely
outside University College Hospital’s A&E received almost 12,000 surrounding areas taxi drivers refusing Work to remove the one-way gyratory system sold its passenger
responses from local to accept payment transport division
department, as this delays buses getting to the What impact the and reintroduce two-way traffic along Baker (operated under the
bus stop. If drivers fail to comply it could result residents, stakeholders transformation would from customers
and businesses. travelling to and from Street and Gloucester Place is now taking place Absolutely and
in access for taxis being revoked, so please use have on air quality Creative Cars brands)
the main entrance on Beaumont Place. Although there was Great Ormond Street to Excel Executive,
A second consultation
strong support for the Hospital with young From early January 2018, the second phase will involve temporary which specialises in
is now open seeking changes including lane closures and stopping restrictions along Baker
patients. The feed is business, film and TV
Cry freedom proposals (43 per cent),
many people commented
a district-wide solution.
now also retweeting Street, Gloucester Place and Marylebone Road. This may increase your production transport.
Following this, a transition journey time, so please plan ahead. The acquisition will
that any scheme must messages of thanks
scheme could be agreed from customers where see its team of drivers
The ‘Drive for Freedom’ campaign is being address a range of For the latest information, go to tfl.gov.uk/baker-street-roadworks expand from 150 to
by the time Elizabeth the cabbie has done a
relaunched next year to encourage public transport, accessibility and around 250.
line services open in good deed but can’t
transport drivers to watch for any signs that congestion concerns.
December 2018 with a full be identified.
passengers are being trafficked. These include: For more information,
transformation scheme
Wendy Adams, UK projects coordinator Ensuring access to and planned to be in place A tweet linking to a visit www.excelexec.co.uk
at Stop the Traffik, said: ‘Cab drivers are from Oxford Street is by 2021. news story about sat To the rescue
the eyes and ears to what goes on in public, maintained, particularly navs contributing
especially since modern slavery often Taxi drivers can learn first aid skills for free, courtesy of trainer Danny Hyde.
involves the movement of people
for disabled and older For more information on the to ‘road blindness’
people, and those transformation of Oxford Street received a lot of With 12 years’ emergency first aid experience, Danny founded his own training
across London.’ and the wider district, please
travelling with children responses and started company five years ago.
If you see something that doesn’t look right, you can Confirmation on
visit tfl.gov.uk/oxford-street and
www.westminster.gov.uk a debate. The sessions for taxi drivers cover cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding, At First Aid for Free you can register
report it anonymously by calling 0800 0121 700, which forms of transport burns, the recovery position and looking for signs of emotional and physical shock. for basic or advanced online courses
at www.modernslavery.co.uk or by downloading would be allowed
The @TfLTPH They are open to all taxi drivers and there is no need to book. Just bring your badge. at no cost, and take a variety of quizzes
the STOP APP Twitter feed now afterwards to check your progress.
on Oxford Street
has 13,734 followers. For course dates, follow Danny at Twitter @EFAltd or on Facebook at Emergency First Aid Ltd www.firstaidforfree.com
6 NEWS UBER TPH NOTICE 7
News Licensing decision
TPH
licensing
in numbers
on Uber
24,117
Taxi drivers
London Limited
On Friday 22 September, TfL informed Uber London Limited
Is that an
electric cab? 21,211
Taxi vehicle licences
that it would not be issued with a private hire operator licence
Xxxxx
after its existing licence expired
A group of London taxi
115,830
drivers is helping to road Xxxxxx.
test London Electric
Vehicle Company’s new
electric cabs. This Private hire Xxxxxxxx
final phase of testing in driver licences
real-life conditions will help
to collect information such
as the emissions savings
being made from the taxi’s
88,361
Private hire
electronic technology vehicle licences
and the performance of
London’s charge point
infrastructure before the
taxis go on sale later in
the year.
2,405
Private hire operators TPH
licensing
For more information,
visit www.theelectrictaxi.co.uk
in numbers
Seeing the New Year in
T
fL’s regulation of London’s
taxi and private hire trades Our reasons for not issuing a new private hire
is designed to ensure operator licence to Uber
passenger safety. Private
TfL considers that Uber’s approach and conduct
Special arrangements will be in place on New Year’s Eve for the ticketed fireworks display hire operators must meet rigorous
demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in
regulations, and demonstrate to TfL
in central London that they do so, in order to operate. relation to a number of issues which have potential
public safety and security implications. These include:
TfL has concluded that Uber London
There are five colour-coded viewing
areas and ticketholders must go to the
White tickets provide access to
Westminster Bridge only.
Taxi ranks Limited is not fit and proper to hold a Its approach to Explaining its approach
private hire operator licence.
area specified on their ticket. They will reporting serious to the use of Greyball in
Green tickets cover the area behind the
not be allowed to access any of the other The Hudson’s Place taxi rank at Victoria station criminal offences London – software that
Coca-Cola London Eye. Important information for private
viewing areas. If you are dropping off or will be closed by Network Rail from 23:00 on hire drivers could be used to block
picking up passengers check which area Pink tickets provide access to Waterloo New Year’s Eve. Access to Waterloo station will How medical
regulatory bodies
their tickets are for. Bridge only. The bridge can be accessed be closed from 17:00. Passengers can be picked certificates
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) from gaining full
by both north and south entrances.
up in Waterloo Road and York Road until 20:00 are obtained
Entrances for the blue and red viewing
Please note, you cannot cross this bridge
Act 1998 includes provision to appeal access to the app
areas are on the north side of the river. at which point the road closures in these areas a licensing decision. Uber London
All other entrances are on the south side.
to enter other ticketed areas.
come into effect. Xxxxxxx
Limited has since appealed the
How Enhanced
Disclosure and Barring
and prevent officials
from carrying out
Once ticketholders have received their decision and can continue to operate
Blue tickets cover the stretch of Victoria Taxi ranks outside of the road closure area Service (DBS) checks regulatory or law
tickets, they can also apply to enter the until the appeal processes have been
Embankment from Westminster Bridge
Orange accessible viewing area, along won’t be affected. For information on alternative Xxxxxx
exhausted. Licenced drivers can
are obtained enforcement duties
to Embankment Tube station. New Year venues, go to p22.
Albert Embankment by St. Thomas’ continue to drive for them as they
Red tickets cover the stretch of Victoria Hospital. This can only be accessed can for any other licensed private
For more information, go to tfl.gov.uk/tph
Embankment from Embankment Tube from the south side of the river. For more detail, go to www.london.gov.uk/nye hire operator.
station to Temple Avenue.
8 PICTURE THIS REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2017 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2017 PICTURE THIS 9
On 12 November, London’s
taxis provided a free
shuttle service for
veterans going to and
from the Cenotaph for
this year’s Remembrance
Sunday service.
Lest we forget
Funded by the drivers,
the service is seen as a
highlight of the taxi trade
year when cabbies make a
special effort to pay back
part of the debt owed to
veterans old and young.
Taxis travelled from all of
London’s mainline
stations, plus Victoria
Coach Station, the Victory
Services Club and Union
Jack Club. Nearly 1,000
journeys were made in
under two hours.
Return journeys started
from Westminster Bridge
and Admiralty Arch.
The fact London taxis are
wheelchair accessible
was much appreciated by
many of those attending
the service and parade.
Thanks to all the taxi drivers who took part and to those who contributed
to this page: Alan Bullock, Jeanette Eccles, Matt Howard, Mike Hughes,
Graham Pike and Nathan and Sydney Walkey
10 TPH NOTICE LICENCE FEES LICENCE FEES TPH NOTICE 11
Headline
Changes to taxi
and private hire
Standfirst 3 line
3 line
3 line
licence fees
Following a consultation, on 3 October a number of changes were
made to taxi and private hire licence fees
The new private hire operator fees more There are around 3,000 private hire that over the next five years enforcement
accurately reflect the resources required operators in the Capital. Almost half have costs will reach £30m, up from a previous
to regulate firms, based on the size of 10 vehicles or fewer, with just five per cent estimate of £4m. The total projected cost
their operations. of companies in charge of fleets of more for licensing, enforcement and compliance
than 100 vehicles. for the taxi and private hire trades over the
TfL has created two additional charging next five years is £209m.
bands and will allow operators in the Private hire operator licence fees have not
largest three categories to pay fees in increased since April 2013. Since then, the The law allows the recovery of costs
annual instalments. Capital’s private hire industry has grown incurred for licensing, regulatory and
dramatically, from 65,000 licensed drivers enforcement activity through the licence
The new fee structure will replace the in 2013/14 to almost 116,000 today. fee process. Income from these fees will be
existing two tiers with eight, with charges
ranging from around £2,000 for a five- The number of vehicles has increased
used to contribute to funding the extra 250
compliance officers now in place.
Driver and vehicle fees If, after looking at
the information on
year licence for those with 10 vehicles or from 50,000 to 88,000 over the same
Previous fee New fee our website, you need
fewer, to £464,000 per year for the largest period. With this growth, there has been a The Licensed Private Hire Car Association
Fee type (£) (£) more guidance,
operator. This will ensure the licence fee substantial increase in the cost of ensuring (LPHCA) is challenging the proposed
please email us at
structure for private hire operators more private hire operators fulfil their licensing changes to operator fees. TfL considers the
Taxi Application fee 65 66 tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk
accurately reflects the demands they place obligations and in tackling illegal activity changes to be proportionate and will be
or call our licensing
on TfL’s compliance resources. to keep passengers safe. It is estimated defending its position. Licence fee 33 44 team on 0343 222 4444
Total 98 110 (Monday to Friday,
08:00 – 18:00)
Digital taxi top application fee 133 No change
Digital taxi top licence fee 33 No change
Private hire operator fees The fees for both Total 166 No change
taxi and private Taxi driver Application fee 80 120
Previous New five-year fee (£) New fee as hire driver and
Number of fee (£) an average vehicle licences Licence fee 192 180
Grant of
vehicles (Total) Application Total annual cost (£)
licence
Box head have also Total 272 300
0-10 1,488 400 1,600 2,000 N/A been revised. Knowledge of London Appearance fee 400 No change
11-20 2,826 1,200 4,800 6,000
Box copy N/A Written test fee 200 No change
21-50 2,826 3,800 15,200 19,000 3,040 Total 600 No change
51-100 2,826 6,000 24,000 30,000 4,800 Private hire drivers Application fee 150 124
Licence fee 100 186
101-500 2,826 30,000 120,000 150,000 24,000
Total 250 310
501-1,000 2,826 70,000 280,000 350,000 56,000
Private hire vehicles Application fee 65 84
1,001-10,000 2,826 140,000 560,000 700,000 112,000 Licence fee 35 56
10,001+ 2,826 580,000 2,320,000 2,900,000 464,000 Total 100 140
12 FEATURE THE WOLSEY FAMILY THE WOLSEY FAMILY FEATURE 13
F
or a couple of years, it wasn’t unusual for the Wolsey I worked in a coffee shop, a bar, a bank, all sorts of jobs.
Running
family in Barnet to find themselves all eating dinner I wish the Government did some kind of student loan
in different parts of London without actually leaving scheme for taxi drivers.
the house.
‘Since I passed, I’ve had the odd stumped moment when
With Lee, 25, and Scott Jnr, 27, both studying the someone asks for a destination and you think, “er..?” but it’s
Knowledge, maps of the Capital were permanently spread only about five seconds, because deep down you know your
in the
across the dining table. Mum, Jane, and dad, Scott Snr, stuff – it just seems like an eternity.’
often found themselves ‘eating’ in Streatham or Muswell
Of the four of them, Scott Snr did the Knowledge in the
Hill as the boys never missed a moment to study. Not that
least amount of time. ‘I’d worked as a courier, so that was
they minded; as cab drivers themselves, they’d done it
an advantage, plus I had two small children at home to
all before.
motivate me,’ he says. ‘You’ve got to be 100 per cent on your
‘The Knowledge took me four and half years as I was held game when people are relying on you.’
family
up by a couple of rugby injuries,’ says Lee. ‘In between,
Fond memories Scott Snr
Granddad Frank, a cabbie for 35 years, saw Scott
Jnr gain his badge in December 2016, but sadly
passed away before he could see Lee collect his.
‘Granddad helped immensely,’ remembers Scott.
‘He would come over for the day after he hung up his
badge and play mock examiner for us. He knew all
the questions to ask – he must have been so proud
to see his grandsons carrying on the tradition.’
As a youngster, Scott also remembers doing his
bit to help mum Jane. ‘While she was doing the
Knowledge, her friends who were also doing it would
come over and get me and Lee to read out the runs
to them. Apparently, I pronounced Highbury Corner
as Higglebury Corner for ages!’
Scott believes sharing a profession helps them stay
a pretty tight-knit family. ‘We try not to talk about
the job too much although we do speak to each
other at least two or three times a day. I don't know
many friends who speak to their parents that much.’
Lee
Scott Snr agrees. ‘Being in the same job means
everyone always thinks they’re right but yes, we are
close. We try to sit down together as much as we
can and they do say the family that eats together,
stays together.’
The other weekend
we decided to have the
Monday off together.
Mum had been given
an Aston Martin driving
When Lee Wolsey gained his badge in August,
experience so we all went
he was the third generation and fifth member
to watch. What other
of his family to switch on his yellow light job in the world lets
you do that?
Lee
14 FEATURE THE WOLSEY FAMILY NEWER VEHICLE CHECKER FEATURE 15
Scott Jnr I see the others on the road a lot.
Mum was driving down Oxford Street
recently just telling her passengers
how both her sons were cabbies,
when right on cue I beeped her
coming the other way!
Scott Jnr
Checks
Jane
and measures
The newer vehicle checker will help tackle air pollution in London
Mum's the word
I
n March, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan identify the dirtiest vehicles and see how O
ur toxic air is a
Jane did the Knowledge 17 years ago, and the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo they could be replaced with cleaner options, shameful health
at her dad Frank’s suggestion together announced the newer vehicle so improving the fleet’s average crisis and London
checker scheme. emissions performance.
Why cabbing? motorists deserve to
Now live, it gives honest, accurate and Fleet operators can access the checker by know how much filthy
I used to work at the Courts of Justice in independent evaluations of the emissions of most downloading a template from the website and
emissions new cars
the Strand, but needed something to work new cars and vans on our roads, including how then entering the details of each vehicle’s make,
around school hours, so I’d drop the boys off much toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) they emit. model, fuel type, Euro standard and engine size. may produce before
then do the routes and runs. This can help you make an informed choice when Emissions Analytics will provide an analysis they purchase them.
What did the family think? buying a less polluting vehicle. It is also hoped report showing how overall fleet emissions would The newer vehicle
this will encourage manufacturers to build cleaner improve if all the most polluting vehicles were checker will help
They were all for it. Although I’ll never forget vehicles sooner. replaced with ‘best in class’.
once when Lee forgot his PE kit and I took provide the accurate
Included in the scheme are two tools; one for A used vehicle checker is now being developed and independent
it back into school wearing my helmet – his individual vehicle owners and also a cleaner fleet for next year, giving the NOx emissions of older,
little face! When I picked him up he said, ‘don’t checker service. pre-Euro 6, vehicles.
information
do that again, mum, my friends think you Londoners need
deliver pizza!’ Although when I got my badge, Newer vehicle checker to make informed
he loved coming out of school and pretending To access the checker, go to
to hail me. www.london.gov.uk/newer-vehicle-checker choices and opt for
Once in the checker, you can use a series of filters
What do you drive? to identify the model of the new Euro 6 car or van
the cleanest vehicles
you are considering buying and find out more
I've got the only two-tone purple cab on the about its actual ‘on the road’ emissions.
road. She’s 15 now, so will have to go soon. adiq Khan,
S
I'll be broken-hearted to say goodbye. Vehicles are given ratings on a scale of A+ Mayor of London
(best) to H (worst), depending on the amount of
How long did it take to do the Knowledge NOx emissions they produce. This is based on
of London? information provided by Emission Analytics’ Did you know?
About three years. I went to the women-only
classes at the Knowledge Point in Caledonian
database of ‘real-world’ emissions from a wide
range of new cars and vans sold in the UK, France
Emissions Analytics – the facts
Road, and the women I met there became and European countries. This list will continue to
friends for life. We still go on holiday together. grow as Emissions Analytics tests new vehicles. Emissions Analytics was formed in 2011 to provide accurate, independent
Would you recommend it to other fuel economy data for passenger cars. Since then the business has grown
women as a career choice? Cleaner fleet checker to include the measurement of tailpipe emissions such as C02, NOx and
Definitely. I don't know why more women This service is offered to London fleet operators
particulate matter. It also publishes a guide to on-road vehicle performance
don't drive a cab, it's so flexible. You get who want to understand how their fleets would (the EQUA Index) and publishes the largest commercially-available emissions
quality family time. I didn’t miss one sports perform if they continued to procure the same database in the world.
day when the boys were little. vehicles, ie buying the latest Euro 6 versions of
the same make and models. They will be able to
16 FEATURE RENTING VS OWNING RENTING VS OWNING FEATURE 17
£££ Owner-driver and rental: the numbers
Taxis licensed in London Private hire vehicles licensed in London
21,211 88,361
MOT rent?
36% 28%
+/=
rental rental
own?
64% 72%
owner-driver owner-driver
buy?
lease?
Hire or purchase? We’ll examine the benefits of
buying a vehicle in the January
issue of OnRoute.
To rent or to buy, that is the question posed by many drivers.
In this issue we look at renting a taxi or private hire vehicle
I Renting with
t’s a great feeling when you buy a and medium-sized enterprises) and means if drivers need a back-up vehicle Private hire car but started driving with Keen in
taxi or a car for private hire use and they have to behave in that way in order or a service, we just supply them with 2004. He says: ‘It is a nice car to work
take it for its first spin. However,
there’s also the responsibility of
to reduce their costs. Driving with us
means they can keep their costs down
another taxi.
Sherbet means The Keen Group was founded in 2003.
It now has around 560 drivers and
with and if it breaks down, I take it
back and they put me in another car
keeping it in good repair and making
sure it is taxed, insured and regularly
and they don’t have to worry about
maintenance because we maintain the
‘It also allows them to be more flexible.
Some rent week by week, pay as you go, I get to drive 571 vehicles – a mixed fleet of saloons
and estate cars, including Prius and
while they fix it. I don’t lose any work
time. I will always use a company car
MOT’d. That’s why some drivers choose
to rent instead, although they are still
vehicles to a very high standard.’
so if they go on holiday or need time
off to look after a family member, a top-of-the- Ford Galaxies. because it is hassle-free driving and
no repair costs.’
responsible for making sure the vehicle
is roadworthy.
Eugene Parete, co-owner of Black
Taxi Rentals which has 250 TX4s, also
they don’t rent for those weeks.’
range taxi for ‘It makes sense for a driver to rent
from us,’ says Sonny Rehal, the group’s Keen has various schemes for its
a reasonable
says cost is a major factor for drivers marketing director. ‘Because they drivers because, as Sonny explains:
To find out more about renting,
preferring to rent. ‘Basically, buying then have one regular payment for ‘The fare-paying passenger now
Taxis go to www.sherbettaxirentals.com
price, without
a new electric taxi is going to cost you the vehicle that covers everything, expects more from a private hire
or www.blacktaxirentals.com
£57,000 plus interest. That’s about including H&R insurance, breakdown company and so do the drivers.
Sherbet, founded in 2014 by CEO
the hassle that
£67,000 over five years. However, the cover and the two annual MOTs. If the We value our drivers so make sure we
Asher Moses, has 650 taxis for rent. All
vehicle only has a three-year warranty. vehicle breaks down we have our own give them excellent customer service
vehicles come already plated, licensed,
So if you have a major breakdown depot and repair centre, and we put the to keep them happy in their work.’
insured and fitted with meters and
credit card readers. Servicing, MOTs
or accident after the warranty runs
out, you’ll still need to keep up your
is associated driver into another vehicle while the
work is being carried out.’
and TfL inspections are all included in
the weekly rental fee.
repayments on the taxi while it is off
the road. This means you can’t use it
with owning The Keen Group only hires out vehicles
To find out more about renting with the
Keen Group, go to
Asher says: ‘Taxi drivers these days
aren’t just drivers, they are SMEs (small
for work, and you’ll have to pay the
repair bill as well. Renting with us
a cab to drivers who have worked in the
private hire industry for at least three
www.thekeengroup.co.uk/careers
John Blue, taxi driver years. Landu Ndila used to use his own
18 BACKCHAT COMPLIANCE OFFICERS COMPLIANCE OFFICERS BACKCHAT 19
A lot of my
Why this job? the venues, talking to vulnerable training was
Jasmine: ‘I wanted to be out on
the streets experiencing something
individuals. Before I joined TfL I wasn’t
sure about the differences between
taxis and private hire so it doesn’t
going out with
I hadn’t done before. It was a new
opportunity for me. Just being able to surprise me at all that so many people
in London are in a similar position.
experienced
talk to people from so many walks of
life, including my colleagues, is a good It’s great there are more of us on the
streets telling people about what
officers. It has
environment for me to thrive in.’
Abdul: ‘Because every day is different
we do.’ been very useful
and I do get a real sense of satisfaction
when I come across an unlicensed
Abdul: I currently cover Westminster,
which has more taxi ranks than all the for me, helping
driver because I know I am taking them
off the streets. I’ve had eight of those
other 31 boroughs put together and
because of that I tend to interact with me to see what
so far this year.’ taxi drivers more than private hire.
Because we are the first face-to-face high standards I
What’s Abdul’s best piece of advice
to Jasmine?
contact with them they sometimes
take their frustrations out on us, but need to work to.
when you have a conversation and
The main skill
Street life
Abdul: ‘Regardless of what the driver’s explain what we are doing, they are
attitude is, we have to treat everyone
exactly the same and we have to have
a thorough knowledge of the relevant
more understanding. To me it makes
no difference what borough I’m in or I have learnt is
legislation, specifically the abstracts
of law, because they are our bread and
what operation I’m on – whether it is an
operator visit or a road-side stop – it’s observation.
butter. When I became a compliance
officer I learned everything on
all the same job.’
From one officer to another
With this job
the streets working with more
experienced officers who were mostly Jasmine: ‘Do you get to know a you have to
The TPH compliance team has recently expanded to more
ex-policemen. They had a background
knowledge of enforcement – any time
lot of the drivers?’
Abdul: ‘A lot of the drivers know me.
expect the
than 300 officers. We chat to Abdul Mumin, 37, who has 15
they were challenged they knew the
correct response and I learned Well, they know my badge number.
Drivers are very proud of their badge
unexpected so
years’ experience and new recruit Jasmine Thompson, 24,
from that.’
What locations do you cover?
numbers, especially if they have an
early number because it’s almost like
you have to be
who joined in January Jasmine: ‘I’ve been deployed an unofficial ranking system. Same
rule for me. I’m badge number 90.’
on the ball and
everywhere and seen so many
different parts of London I’ve never Jasmine: ‘Mine is 1145. I may be concentrating
been to before. I did a lot of Safer
Travel at Night deployments during
new to this but I’m proud of my badge
because this is my job and this is at all times
London Fashion Week around my responsibility.’ Jasmine20 FEATURE STAN WE STAND TOGETHER FEATURE 21
Tackling hate
Safer travel at night
The four ways to get home
using a taxi or minicab
crime together
You don’t have to tolerate hate crime; you can report it
Staying H
ate crime is when a person commits a
crime against someone because of their
disability, gender identity, race, sexual
orientation, religion, or any other
safe with
actual or perceived difference.
In September, as part of the joint TfL and police
programme to reassure passengers and staff
about hate crime, the Metropolitan Police
STaN
Service’s Safer Transport teams visited more
than 200 private hire operators and spoke
to drivers and staff about their experiences,
and how they can report any incidents.
Standing together
There are 32 Safer Transport teams across
London, with officers and staff coming from
With the evenings closing in, all walks of life. They won’t tolerate behaviour
where someone is targeted or made to feel
TfL is making sure everyone uncomfortable, nor should you. Hate crime Hate crime doesn’t just mean Report it
has safer travel at night You can report anything that happens to you or on operation, physical violence. It can take
behalf of someone else if they don’t want to report September many forms including: If you’re in immediate
T
it. You should report what happened, where and
when. This will help the police to investigate and
2017 erbal abuse like name-calling
V danger, call 999.
his year’s Safer Travel at Night (STaN) campaign is
back, and it’s bigger and better than ever before. STaN:
STaN is run in two phases (September/October for students
and December for the festive season). Aiming to target
get you or the victim any support that may be
needed.
32 and offensive jokes
Harassment
If you are not sure if
it’s a crime or not,
It aims to raise awareness of the safe ways to the numbers women between 16 and 34, the STaN teams have already Safer Transport you should still report
been out attending freshers’ fairs highlighting the message Hate crime reports can be made anonymously. teams (one in
use taxis and private hire vehicles, says Siwan Bullying or intimidation it to the police by
Hayward, TfL’s head of Transport Policing. She continues:
68 to students that only taxis can be hailed and all private hire
vehicles must be booked.
If you would rather not report incidents directly
to the police, there are other agencies you
every borough)
Pushing or spitting
calling 101
‘This year our TfL-funded officers in the Metropolitan and
City of London Police are being joined by more than 300
TPH compliance officers.
TfL-funded
police officers
Enforcement teams have been out on the street on
intelligence-led enforcement operations, targeting
can contact.
Last year, TfL, British Transport Police,
200+ oax calls, abusive phone
H To report hate crimes
Private hire or text messages, hate mail anonymously, go to
dedicated to taxi key hotspots. Metropolitan Police Service and City of London
‘Our teams will also be talking to members of the public operators visited report-it.org.uk
and private hire Police launched Operation Safer for All and Graffiti
1,180
about the ways to use taxis and minicabs, to encourage them Customers are also being urged to report any
to only ever use legitimate taxi and private hire services.
policing inappropriate behaviour including touching, remarks
the #WeStandTogether campaign. It aimed to For anti-Muslim
about their appearance or anything that makes them
reassure people that the transport network is safe Arson incidents, call MAMA
Stand together
300+
‘We are really emphasising the importance of minicab and encourage anyone who experiences this type
booking confirmations (via a text message, app, email or
feel uncomfortable.
of behaviour to report it, so action can be taken leaflets alicious complaints over
M on 0800 456 1226,
paper receipt if they are in an operator’s office). If customers against offenders. distributed parking or noise WhatsApp 0734 184
TfL TPH
don’t get a booking confirmation, or a different driver or As a driver you can report any unwanted sexual behaviour 6086, or contact at
compliance
vehicle turns up to the one they have on their confirmation, or inappropriate behaviour you see from other drivers www.tellmamauk.org
we are urging them not to get in the vehicle because it
officers by calling 0343 222 4000, emailing TPHintel@tfl.gov.uk,
isn’t safe.’ or filling in the online complaints form at tfl.gov.uk/tph-comments For anti-Semitic
Every September, London sees an influx of new students If you feel a customer may be in immediate danger, call 999.
All complaints and reports to TfL or the police will be fully
We have been speaking with taxi and incidents, call CST
on 0208 457 9999 or
private hire drivers and operators to spread
coming to university and college from across the world and
eager to experience its famous night life. Then, in the run up investigated and appropriate action will be taken. go to www.cst.org.uk
to Christmas, even more people stay out after dark to enjoy
the Capital’s bars, restaurants and clubs. the message – you don’t have to tolerate Check out the
Stop Hate UK site at
it; you can report it to us. We will take it www.stophateuk.org
seriously and investigate it
Police Sergeant Janine Cunningham, Roads and Transport Policing Command22 FEATURE NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS FEATURE 23
Under the sea Christmas at Kew The Yacht Ultimate Power –
New Year’s Eve
There’s a decidedly nautical For an alternative New Year’s The Yacht is moored on
feel to proceedings at the Eve you can explore the the Embankment with a Renowned for throwing a
Natural History Museum. Christmas Trail at Kew. The fabulous view of the London good party, the Ultimate
Dance the night away at gardens are illuminated with Eye and the fireworks. Power New Year’s Eve
a silent disco, take part in an impressive light display, Guests enjoy a glass of bash at the Dome won't
musical bingo and explore including laser beams and champagne and canapés on disappoint. Expect a fun-
the dinosaur gallery before kaleidoscopic projections. arrival, followed by a five- packed night with non-stop
ringing in the New Year There's a vintage funfair and course meal. After, there power ballads from the likes
under the blue whale festive food and drink stalls. will be an open bar with a of Celine Dion, Aerosmith
skeleton in the Hintze Hall. Santa and his elves will be live band. Tickets start and Bon Jovi – with some
Party-goers are encouraged entertaining at the North from £299. air-guitaring thrown in for
to dress to impress using the Pole village. Tickets for good measure! Tickets
under-the-sea theme as style adults are £18.50, children are £22.
18:00 to 01:00,
inspiration. Tickets are £129. £12. Book in advance.
The Yacht London, Temple Pier
Victoria Embankment, London, 21:00 to 04:00,
19:30 to 01:00, The Natural 17:00-19:40, WC2R 2PN. The Dome, 2A Dartmouth Park
History Museum, Cromwell Kew Gardens, Victoria Gate, www.theyachtlondon.com Hill, London, NW5 1HL.
Road, SW7 5BD. Richmond TW9 3JR. www.ultimatepowerclub.com
www.nhm.ac.uk/events www.kew.org/kew-gardens
Working the New
Year night away
The ticketed fireworks aren’t the only celebrations happening
in the Capital this New Year’s Eve. Here are some of the
other popular events
The Blitz Party New Year’s Aprés New Year’s The Rivoli’s New Year’s A vintage New Year’s
Eve Special Eve Ball Eve Gala Ball Eve party
Transport yourself back to Battersea Evolution is Waltz your way into the New The Royal Festival Hall will
the war-time glamour of holding an epic ski-themed Year. Adults and children transform into a vintage
1940s London at the Blitz party and New Year ball. (over six-years-old) are nightclub spectacular on
Party’s New Year’s Eve There’s a canapé reception, a invited to shake their stuff 31 December. There will be
celebration. There will be four-course meal, unlimited at one of the oldest and five floors of entertainment
live music with big bands, drinks, entertainers and a most decadent ballrooms in with music from the 1920s
modern takes on classic band. There will also be a London. The musical mix through to the 1990s with
cocktails and an authentic live stream of the fireworks includes jive, ballroom, pop, swing, rock and roll, soul,
air-raid shelter, complete at midnight. Tickets start upbeat festive tracks and disco, house and cabaret.
with sandbags, hurricane from £180.00 party classics. Tickets for Choose from a buffet ticket
lamps, reconnaissance adults cost £25, children £12. or a full dinner ticket. Prices
maps and blackout curtains. from £74.25.
19:30 to 03:00,
Those wanting to perfect
Battersea Evolution, Battersea 20:00 to 01:00,
their dance steps can take
Park, Chelsea Bridge entrance 350 Brockley Road, SE4 2BY. From 19:00,
advantage of the pre-party
off Queenstown Road, Battersea www.rivoliballroom.com Southbank Centre.
dance class from 20:00 to
Park, SW8 4NW. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
21:00, led by professional
Dedicated black taxi rank.
swing dancers. Tickets
www.designmynight.com
from £55.
Village Underground, Clockwise from top: The Rivoli Ballroom, Ultimate Power at the Dome, Under the sea at the Natural History Museum,
54 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ. a vintage New Year's Ever party at the Southbank Centre, Christmas at Kew (image by Richard Haughton)
www.theblitzparty.com24 HOW TO: CONTACT THE DVLA LETTERS 25
Letters Email us at OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk. We will print a selection of emails
every issue – and there’s a £20 Amazon voucher on offer for the best.
Star letter From our
London’s dirty air Twitter feed
Can you tell me Proportions of emissions come from the We say…
where you obtained London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory V
ehicle licence renewal
your figures for (LAEI) 2013. Estimates of key pollutants notifications are sent out 42 days
emissions from taxis (NOx, PM10, PM2.5 and CO2) are included prior to expiry and inspections
in central London? for the base year 2013 and projected forward can be booked up to 28 days
In your feature on to 2020, 2025, and 2030. The LAEI area covers before licence expiry.
taxi delicensing the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, Call 0343 222 5555
in the September and up to the M25 motorway.
issue you say taxis ou must send your DBS
Y
are responsible for The information document for the recent certificate to GBGroup if it
16 per cent NOx consultation to bring forward the introduction contains any info so they can
and 26 per cent of the Ultra Low Emission Zone has a detailed provide us a copy and we can
description of different road transport types make a licensing decision
particulate matter
(PM) emissions and how much NOx, PM10 and PM2.5
they contribute. You say…
from road transport.
Just been to see @TfLTPH
However, the Institute
Fleet services
Judith Hayton, Principal Strategy Planner. TfL
to sign two statements re
for Public Policy @guidedogs refusals from
Research, November August. They are so passionate
2016, supported by about their work. Thank you
Greenpeace, quotes Sean Dilley via Twitter
figures of seven and
12 per cent. Is this What’s the best way to report
another statistical vehicles on taxi ranks?
construct such as A You can report PHVs on
the figure of 9,000 taxi ranks directly to us
Operators running a fleet of vehicles can benefit from joining the premature deaths @TfLTPH (you can DM),
or by using the web form
a year?
DVLA fleet scheme (www.tfl.gov.uk/tph-report).
Tim Armitage Private motorists on ranks
should be reported to the
This free scheme was introduced You can also apply to use the Post local authority
to help companies with 50 or Office Licensing scheme and Bulk Informing TPH of change of
more vehicles deal with all the
administration that comes with
Electronic Relicensing Transaction.
These services let you tax all your
vehicle licence ownership Reporting collisions
maintaining them. vehicles due for renewal in one @TfLTPH, I have noticed in the last month or so you
transaction every month, either by If the ownership of a private hire vehicle changes, responded to reports of accidents. You never used to,
Once you have registered you will be
using an emailed spreadsheet or at
able to: the existing licensee must complete the reverse so why the sudden change?
your local post office.
Contact the fleet helpdesk side of the vehicle licence within seven days from
The in-branch option requires you the date of transfer. Paul (via Twitter)
by telephone and email to nominate the post office branch
you wish to use. You will need your In cases where the private hire vehicle licence is We have always processed collisions to check the driver is ok
Get all registration certificates fleet number, your fleet size and the being transferred to the new owner, they must also and any vehicle damage is reported and fixed. Now we also collect
(V5Cs) and tax reminders time, date and location to help identify the driver.
processed on any single day potential timescale for wanting to complete sections B and C of the licence before
use the scheme (such as month of returning it to TPH. A replacement licence will then The Twitter team
sent to you in bulk taxing). Payments for the vehicle tax be issued in the name of the new owner.
are then taken from a post office
Submit notification of changes to When was the What is the What is the What is the How many
multiple vehicles without the need pre-funded account. If a private hire vehicle is sold on that will no longer
to fill in each individual V5C You can’t use this service if you have be used for private hire purposes, the licence discs 1 Knowledge 2 fastest time 3 common name 4 percentage 5 runs are there?
already sent your V5C by post. from the front and rear windscreen, as well as the of London ever to achieve for the Guide of people who
View online information relating to paper vehicle licence, must be returned to TPH introduced? a badge? to learning the drop out while
any vehicle registered to your fleet To join the scheme, email using this address: London Taxi and Private Hire, Knowledge doing the
fleetshd@dvla.gsi.gov.uk PO Box 177, Sheffield S98 1JY. of London? Knowledge?
Tell DVLA online when you sell a or call 0300 083 0016
vehicle or want to take a registration If you have any enquiries about vehicle licensing,
(Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16.30)
number off, or put on to, a vehicle ring 0343 222 555 or email tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk Do you know? 4. 60 per cent on average 5. There are 320 Blue Book runs
1. 1865 2. Around 18 months 3. The Blue Book26 EVENTS CALENDAR CALENDAR EVENTS 27
Calendar
November December January
24 November 25 November Fleet Foxes 1 December 2 December Barbarians vs 8 December Forever Success 12 December 15 December 1 January
Jools Holland Little Mix 02 Academy The Luxury Home Parov Stelar Australia rugby Skills London Express Queen and Pete Tong 29 December New Year’s
Royal Albert O2 Arena and Property Alexandra Palace match ExCel Arena (and ExCel Arena Adam Lambert Presents Ibiza Peter Pan Day Parade
Hall (and 25 27 November Show 2017 Twickenham 9 December) (and 10 O2 Arena (and Classics Wembley Central London
November) 26 November The Killers Olympia (until BeautyCon 2017 December) 13 December) O2 Arena (and Arena (and 30
Hampstead 02 Arena 5 December) Olympia 3 December 9 December 16 December) December) 18 January
Steps Christmas GOSH Santa Jingle Bell Ball 10 December The London London Lumiere
O2 Arena (and Festival 30 November CFA Exams Dash event 02 Arena (and William Hill International 20 December 31 December Oxford Street,
25 November) North London Elvis in Concert – ExCel Arena Clapham 10 December) World Darts Horse Show 17 Disney On Ice New Year’s Regent Street,
Live on Screen Common Championship Olympia (until presents Passport Eve fireworks Piccadilly,
Revolution Saracens vs O2 Arena Digital Alexandra 18 December) to Adventure Central London Piccadilly Circus,
Champions Exeter rugby Marketing Show 4 December Palace (until 17 O2 Arena (until (see p4) Leicester Square,
League match PVRIS ExCel Arena Gorillaz December) 14 December 30 December) King’s Cross (and
(track cycling) Allianz Park 02 Academy O2 Arena (and Michael Ball 19 January)
Lee Valley 5 December) and Alfie Boe 22 December
Velopark, Light up O2 Arena William Hill
Queen Elizabeth the Lane 7 December World Darts
Olympic Park, Pitshanger Lane, Varsity Match Championship
Stratford (and Ealing Twickenham Alexandra Palace
25 November) (until 4 January)5 High Barnet Cockfosters
Loughton
6
Night Tube operates on
5
Totteridge & Whetstone Oakwood Buckhurst Hill
Friday and Saturday nights
4
Woodside Park Southgate
Woodford
Arnos Grove
4
West Finchley
Central line Edgware
Stanmore Bounds Green South Woodford Hainault
Jubilee line Burnt Oak
Finchley Central
Canons Park Fairlop
Northern line East Finchley Wood Green
3
Colindale
Snaresbrook
Queensbury Barkingside
Piccadilly line Hendon Central
Highgate Turnpike Lane
Tottenham
Kingsbury Hale Newbury Park
Victoria line Brent Cross
Archway Manor House
Walthamstow
Redbridge
Wembley Park Central
Seven Blackhorse
Taxi rank Golders Green Sisters Road
Wanstead Gants Hill
3
Neasden
(Taxis subject to availability) Tufnell Park
Dollis Hill Hampstead Arsenal Finsbury Park Leytonstone
No direct access from Jubilee line to taxi rank at Waterloo
Willesden Green
Belsize Park
Holloway Road Leyton
Kilburn Kentish Town
2
Chalk Farm
West Hampstead Highbury & Islington
Finchley Road Camden Town Caledonian Road Stratford
2
Swiss Cottage
Mornington
St. John’s Wood Crescent
Euston King’s Cross
St. Pancras
Baker Street
Bethnal
Green
1
Warren Street
Russell Square Mile End
Liverpool Street West Ham
Goodge
Street
Bond Oxford
Street Circus Bank
1 2 2/3 3 4
Marble Arch Tottenham Holborn
Court Road Chancery Lane
West East Shepherd’s Notting
Acton Acton Bush Hill Gate
Ealing Covent Garden
Broadway Lancaster
North White Holland Queensway Gate Green Park St. Paul’s
Acton City Park Leicester Square
6 5 4 3 2 1
Canning Town
Hyde Park Corner Piccadilly
Circus
Knightsbridge
Charing Cross
South Acton Barons Gloucester River Thames
Ealing Town Hammersmith Court Road
Canary Wharf
Westminster
Turnham Earl’s South
Northfields Green Court Kensington Victoria Embankment
London Bermondsey Canada North
Bridge Water Greenwich
Boston Manor
2
Osterley Waterloo
2
Hounslow East
Southwark
Hounslow Central Pimlico
Heathrow Hatton Cross
Hounslow
West
Vauxhall
1
Terminals 2 & 3
3 Kennington
2
Oval
Heathrow Stockwell Manor House Station in both fare zones Charing Cross
Terminal 5 Clapham North Night Tube services not stopping until July 2017.
4
Interchange stations Please use Embankment station.
Clapham Common
Hounslow West
Brixton Step-free access from street to train
Clapham South Step-free access for manual wheelchairs only.
Balham Step-free access from street to platform Lancaster Gate
Station closed until August 2017.
3
Tooting Bec Airport
Tooting Broadway
Colliers Wood
South Wimbledon
Morden
Transport for London
4
This diagram is an evolution of the original design conceived in 1931 by Harry Beck · Correct at time of going to print · September 2017You can also read
