‘Unacceptable’ new TfL private hire regulations come into force in July

New in-car signage requirements for all London private hire vehicles –described by the LPHCA as “unacceptable” – are due to come into force next month.

From July 1, all vehicles – even chauffeur cars – will have to carry warning signs and compliance notices for CCTV, no smoking, complaints procedures and cyclist warnings.

The signs will not be fitted at the operator’s discretion – instead, they will be compulsorily fitted by staff when vehicles are being tested.

Transport for London has apparently ignored calls for “urgent dialogue” on the issue. Earlier this year an open letter signed by LPHCA chairman Steve Wright, Private Hire Board chairman Keith Keen, Chauffeur and executive chair Greg Mendoza and GMB Union regional organiser Steve Garelick, was published on social media.

The LPHCA letter argues that adding more signage will be counter-productive. “Adding signage to private hire vehicles will confuse the public, narrow the gap between Taxi and Private Hire, and lead to illegal and dangerous activity by those seeking to exploit that confusion.”

TfL claims the requirement to provide information about how to lodge complaints with TfL will “streamline passenger feedback”. The new rules also mandate no-smoking signs, seatbelt reminders, and other notices.

There will be two new signs, which should be placed in the nearside and offside rear quarterlight windows, or on the nearside and offside rear door windows and offside rear quarterlight window if the quarterlights are too small.

TfL's guidance states: “The signage will be installed by our vehicle inspection provider Marston during its annual vehicle inspection and they will decide where it will go.”

“The new signage will replace the existing no-smoking signs in PHVs. PHV drivers and owners must not remove the new signage once it has been installed.”

TfL says that from July 1, 2025 it is up to the licensed owner to make sure all appropriate signage is displayed.

The TfL website states: “From 1 July 2025 if your taxi is not displaying the new signage then we may consider taking licensing action against you.”

Other changes from July 1, 2024 include mandatory reporting to TfL of any arrest, charge, caution, or conviction within 48 hours, as well as enhanced checks for those applying for or renewing a taxi or PHV driver’s license. Anyone who has spent three months or more in a foreign country in the past 10 years will need to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct.

PHV operators will also be required to carry out annual basic DBS checks. These checks must be completed on the anniversary of the date the license was issued.

There will also be a need to complete and maintain more detailed records. This includes a register of all booking and dispatch staff, rfor 12 months.

Operators will also need to include additional details in their booking records, such as the names of individuals handling bookings and dispatches, along with the PHV driver’s license number and vehicle registration.

It is possible to apply for an exemption, and it is to be expected that many chauffeurs will do so. Email this address for details.

TPHVehicleExemptions@tfl.gov.uk