New ‘landmark’ Southampton signs will let drivers work for multiple operators

Southampton private hire drivers are celebrating after plans to introduce new, less restrictive rules on signage were introduced.

Following a campaign led by the Solent Private Hire Alliance, signage on private hire vehicles will be changed in way that will allow drivers to work for more than one operator.

The current rules meant that signage displayed the name of the operator on the side of the vehicle, but the approved plans will see the removal of the need for an operator name. Vehicles will still be clearly marked.

Jay Chowdhury, chairman of Solent Private Hire Alliance, hailed the change as a “landmark decision”, adding: “The policy that we had before was infringing on our workers’ rights.” The motion was put forward by SPHA and supported by the GMB Union.

He continued: “Most drivers have been in favour, it means drivers are more flexible to choose who they work for. Drivers are over the moon, there was a lot of support from drivers throughout the whole process.”

Choudhury said the previous signage meant many drivers were “locked in” by operators, and while councillors initially refused to make the change, the new signs were approved after an appeal and a consultation.

Cllr Toqeer Kataria said: “It allows drivers the freedom to work for more than one operator at a time but places control to ensure bookings accepted by a driver are fulfilled. This is a significant change, the impact will be monitored both locally and in other parts of the country as authorities find ways to address the issues raised by the introduction of new technology in the private hire industry.”

GMB National Representative Ali Haydor said: “Our members have been waiting for this change for a long time. An unfair policy is a bad policy and GMB, as a campaigning union, will always fight to have these overturned.”