The seems to be based on the Mayor of London's equivalent of prime minister's questions, or at least the written version.
London Mayor urges government to “think again” over the need for taxi plying-for-hire definitionshttps://www.taxi-point.co.uk/single-pos ... efinitions30 Aug 2019Perry RichardsonThe London Mayor has again urged Government to “clearly define” the difference between taxi and private hire services.Sadiq Khan stated that a clearly defined definition of ‘plying for hire’ and ‘pre-booked’ would remove any ambiguity and help provide enhanced clarity for drivers, operators, regulators and those using the vehicles.
Khan, responding to a question on the subject from Assembly Member David Kurten, also showed his disappointment in the Government for not taking forward the need for statutory definitions within both industries and urged them to “think again”.
The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “Alongside TfL, I have repeatedly called for a statutory definition of “plying for hire” and “pre-booked” services to remove any ambiguity and clearly define the difference between taxi and private hire services. A statutory definition would also provide greater clarity for licensees, regulators and users of those services.
“The Department for Transport-commissioned Taxi and Private Hire Task and Finish Group report, written by the Independent Chair Professor Mohammed Abdel-Haq also highlighted the need for statutory definitions.
“It is disappointing that the Government is not taking this forward and I urge them to think again. I welcome the support of the Assembly in lobbying Government on this matter.”
TfL has no control over minicab drivers’ working rights says London Mayorhttps://www.taxi-point.co.uk/single-pos ... ndon-Mayor31 Aug 2019Perry RichardsonTransport for London has no control over minicab drivers’ working rights says the London Mayor.Sadiq Khan did however acknowledge the “urgent action” needed to improve working conditions, which includes driver pay, health and hours worked.
Drivers’ rights have long been a hot topic within the private hire industry, not just in London, but across the world.
In the UK, Uber drivers represented by the GMB Union have scored multiple legal wins to be treated as workers by the ride-sharing company, but the legal appeals process continues.
In January, the Court of Appeal in London rejected Uber’s appeal against two previous court rulings that their drivers work for them and are not self-employed, contractors or ‘business partners’. Uber will attempt a fourth appeal, this time at the Supreme Court.
Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, asked the London Mayor what exploration he has carried out since he highlighted the issue over two years ago.
In Pidgeon’s question, she highlighted that Khan said in March 2017: “I am also exploring what more I can do to protect workers’ rights through the powers in my possession.”
Khan responded by saying workers’ rights are not within the control of the regulators or licensing authorities. The Mayor did suggest more information could be provided to drivers to help make a more educated choice, when it came to selecting an operator based around their lifestyle and needs.
Khan said: “The contractual arrangements between private hire drivers and who they choose to work for, including their pay and working conditions, is not within the control of licensing authorities, including Transport for London. However, I have been clear that I believe urgent action needs to be taken to improve working conditions, such as driver pay, health and hours worked.
“In the absence of Government action to address this issue by making changes on a national scale, I have tasked my team at City Hall with exploring options for promoting good work in the various industries within the gig economy in London, including private hire. This could create more transparency for people and, in a private hire context, provide drivers with information on which operator is the best fit for their needs and lifestyle. At the same time, a scheme could incentivise private hire operators to improve conditions for their drivers, in order to remain competitive.”
Taxi drivers should NOT be expected to offer ‘cash-back’ facility to passengers says London Mayorhttps://www.taxi-point.co.uk/single-pos ... ndon-Mayor1 Sep 2019Perry RichardsonLondon taxi drivers should not be expected to offer a ‘cash-back’ facility whilst working said the London Mayor.Sadiq Khan has ruled out the service being offered to passengers due to the risks attached carrying large sums of money.
The news comes following a question put forward by London Assembly Member Davis Kurten. He asked the Mayor who decides whether cashback is a facility that can be provided, and what mechanisms does TfL have to stop a taxi driver providing this?
Khan responded by saying: “Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for the conditions of fitness for London cabs including that cabs must be fitted with an approved card payment device. The list of approved devices and their specifications is published on TfL’s website.
“Card payment devices do not currently provide for cashback and I would be concerned about taxi drivers needing to carry large sums of cash to facilitate this.”
Login
Register
FAQ
