Taxi Driver Online

Uber faces fresh regulations from TfL ahead of licence appeal

Uber could be hit with tough new regulations under proposals from Transport for London (TfL) to improve passenger safety among private hire vehicle operators.

TfL's proposals announced today, which would affect private taxis and ride-hailing services in the capital, include options for "women-only" taxi journeys, clearer policies for reporting offences and greater data sharing.

“The private hire market is unrecognisable from when current legislation was introduced,” said Helen Chapman, interim director of licensing at TfL. “The growth of ride-sharing and other advances mean that regulation has to be fit for the next decade and not the last.”

The policy document includes proposals for improving the way customer data is handled and complaints are dealt with. It also sets out how conditions could be improved for drivers, such as "reasonable working hours including appropriate breaks throughout their shift".

In response to TfL's proposals, an Uber spokesman said: "Over the last few years we've led the way with pioneering technology, such as GPS tracking of every trip, which raises standards and enhances safety. We’re now building on that with new features, like our driver hours limits, which we hope other operators will also introduce."

The planned rules would apply to all private hire firms and ride-hailing operators, and come after TfL declared Uber was not a "fit and proper operator" and stripped it of its operating licence in September last year. Uber is currently appealing the ruling, meaning it can continue to operate in the city. The appeal is set to be held in April.

Plans to improve driver conditions follow separate employment tribunals involving drivers from Uber and Addison Lee, who challenged the notion they were self-employed and argued they were entitled to holiday pay and the minimum wage. Uber recently introduced an hours cap for drivers, set at 10 hours, after which they are locked out of the app.

TfL is also considering ways to reduce the number of vehicles in the centre of the capital, including measures such as extending the congestion charge to private hire vehicles, a move that has been strongly opposed by unions. TfL's proposals will be consulted on later this year.

London is one of Uber’s most profitable markets, and the loss of its licence was seen as a major blow for the firm in its efforts to rebuild its reputation under new chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi. Last year Uber was hit by a string of controversies such as a harassment scandal and a data breach that affected millions of users.

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IDFIMH

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IDFIMH

TFL proposals could include advanced driver tests

http://www.thechauffeur.com/tfl-proposa ... ver-tests/

Private Hire drivers in London could face new strict tests if an array of new proposals are successful following consultation.

Transport for London has revealed details today (15 February) of its new policy statement which highlights how ride-sharing and app-booking services could work in the future and features a list of stringent procedures with the aim of “Ensure London remains the world leader in regulating taxi and private hire services while maintaining the safety of passengers”.

As well as an advanced driving test for new applicants, TfL is also considering proposals for consultation which include PHV operator fleet insurance and Private Hire vehicle signage.

Following the Uber outrage throughout 2017, the statement highlights how officials could enforce policies and plans on how PHV operators will prevent and report offences and insist on named accountability at senior management level. It also covers policies such as reporting and protection of personal data.

TfL says its considering an ‘enhanced driver assessment package’, covering areas such as safeguarding, disability, equality and knowledge of PHV legislation.

Helen Chapman, Interim Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging said: “The private hire market is unrecognisable from when current legislation was introduced. The growth of ride-sharing and other advances mean that regulation has to be fit for the next decade and not the last.”

Helen added; “Our vision sets out clearly how we will manage these new developments that improve convenience for customers, while ensuring safety remains our top priority. The document also makes clear that any new developments in the sector have to fit with the objectives of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.”

Any changes will be subject to full consultation.

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IDFIMH

Interesting - has any council ever gotten involved in this kind of thing? Perhaps getting a bit beyond the licensing remit.

And suspect any action in that regard would simply be a PR exercise (from both TfL and operators) than anything more concrete and enforceable.