TFL REVEALS OVER 1,000 PHVS EXEMPT FROM DISPLAYING LICENCE DISC ROUNDEL

Transport for London (TfL), the regulatory body overseeing the city’s transport network, has revealed that over 1,000 Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) are exempt from displaying their licensing disc – also known as a ‘Roundel’ – as part of a recent Freedom of Information request.

Out of 89,058 PHVs active under TfL’s oversight, 1,192 of them have been granted exemptions from displaying the licensing disc. TfL generally considers the exceptional circumstances, nature of work to be carried out, and security of passengers when granting exemptions.

The most common reason given for these exemptions is the ‘unique nature of the business’, calling into question what sort of work is being carried out by these PHVs.

registered with TfL, only two have been granted exemptions from wearing their driver’s badge, meeting exemption criteria that have not been disclosed by TfL.

These exemptions have raised concerns regarding the regulation of the PHV industry, with some critics questioning how TfL enforces and monitors these exemptions to ensure passenger safety and maintain transparency.

ROTHERHAM SET FOR TAXI AND PHV CONSULTATION LOOKING AT ‘OUT OF TOWN’ DRIVERS AND SUB-CONTRACTING

The Rotherham Council Cabinet has approved plans to hold a public consultation on proposed changes to the Hackney Carriage (taxi) and Private Hire Licensing Policy. The consultation aims to ensure that licensed drivers, vehicles and operators working in the borough continue to be of the highest standard.

The proposed changes include focusing on "out of town" vehicles and sub-contracting of fares, vehicle age and emissions, offences added to the list of convictions that exclude drivers, vehicle testing, driver application process, and vehicle signs.

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was introduced by the Council in 2015 and is regarded by some as the benchmark for other local authorities.

Public drop-in sessions will be held across the borough where people can get more information and talk about the proposed changes. A survey will also be posted to the Council website when the consultation goes live.

The consultation is set to open in July and will run for 12 weeks. Responses will be used to create changes to the policy, which will then go back to Cabinet for approval.

Merthyr Tydfil Council’s Licensing Department is receiving information that unlicensed drivers are continuing to operate illegal ‘taxis’ across the region.

Cllr Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Housing and Public Protection, said: “Last year, we issued a warning to members of the public about the dangers of travelling in unlicensed vehiclesand although the problem has improved, there are still people flouting the rules.

“The purpose of taxi licensing is to protect the public, and we would like to remind residents and visitors of the risks of getting into these vehicles. Drivers have direct responsibility for the safety of passengers and significant control over passengers – passengers who may be alone and/or vulnerable.

“Customers travelling in these vehicles are putting themselves at risk and we urge members of the public to use only licensed vehicles and drivers.”