Taxi Driver Online

London Private Hire industry questions Transport for London’s fitness to regulate

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association – the trade body which represents the interests of licensed Private Hire operators has lost confidence in the ability of TfL to safeguard public safety as regulator of the London taxi and Private Hire car market.

At a recent meeting, the LPHCA’s membership voted a motion of no confidence for TfL to continue as the regulator of the London cab industry. The LPHCA is concerned about those cab app providers which are operating illegally in the capital – putting London’s world-class safety record at risk. The body is questioning TfL’s fitness to remain the regulator after it has apparently done little to address the activities of some offshore technology companies which provide cab services via apps.

A recent Populus poll carried out by the LPHCA reveals that Londoners do not understand some cars booked through new smartphone apps are not fully compliant with TfL regulations, according to the association.

Of the 1,014 people polled by Populus, 89% said it is very/fairly important that newer app-based cab companies should be required to use TfL-licensed operating centres. 80% weren’t aware some cars booked through new smartphone apps are not fully-licensed and compliant with TfL regulations. LPHCA conducted the poll to raise awareness of the concerns passengers have, in particular when using minicabs and taxis in London, and to gauge an understanding of these individuals’ perceptions of TfL’s responsibilities as the regulator.

Private Hire companies (minicabs, chauffeur and executive cars) in London are regulated by TfL under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998.

Steve Wright MBE, chairman of the LPHCA said; “The Private Hire Vehicles Act ensures the safety of the travelling public. There is deep-rooted concern and evidence, that new app-based operators are not playing by the rules. TfL appears to be changing its approach to suit offshore app companies rather than putting the public’s safety first.”

The poll highlighted strong public concern that app companies that have been subject to regulatory action elsewhere should be subject to stringent scrutiny in the UK. 70% are a lot or a little less likely to use the services of a smartphone app operator that’s been the subject of a complete ban on operation somewhere in the world. 87% of people agree that TfL should investigate all smartphone app operators to assess their compliance with UK regulations

Mr Wright added; “Some of these app providers are being allowed to operate in London when they have already been convicted of serious licensing offences in other cities around the world and in some cases, we have even seen evidence of them using drivers without insurance. We want to see TfL fulfil its legal obligations to enforce the law effectively, fairly and consistently and so does the travelling public.”

“There have been considerable problems worldwide with these new app providers – including a passenger alleging she had been raped by a driver booked via an app and the death of a young girl on a street crossing by a driver engaged by an ‘app-based’ company.”

A Transport for London spokesperson told TheChauffeur.com; “We obviously completely refute any suggestion that we are not enforcing the law. That is factually incorrect. We are simply trying to engage the trade in discussing with us what new technology may mean for the trade and what benefits it may be able to give passengers. That’s just a sensible approach to a changing world and we’re hoping that the trade will work with us.”

In reference to a recent statement regarding the operation of Uber in the UK, TfL told us; “We have seen no evidence to suggest that Uber London Ltd are not fit and proper to hold an London PHV operator’s licence but no final decisions have been made whilst Uber’s operating model is still under investigation.”

The LPHCA has set up a Facebook page to promote the use of licensed vehicles in the UK. To read more about the campaign and to get involved go to: http://www.facebook.com/keepcabssafe

_________________
IDFIMH

Methinks this is a bit f***ing rich coming from a so-called leader of the London PH trade.

If there was a rape league the London PH trade would be winning the Champion's League every year.

_________________
IDFIMH

It seems TfL are very selective when it comes to enforcing the law. Drive in a bus lane for 5 yards and you'll get a ticket. Stop in a box junction, £120 kerchinggg thank you.

Operate a massive illegal minicab company, they just ignore it.