In the zone - Transport for ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ISSUE 20 / JAN–FEB 2019
Brought to you by Transport for London
Top tips
for winter
driving
See p18
In the zone
What the ULEZ means for you
A helping hand Tackling emissions Raising standards Safe and secure
The Taxicard scheme Taxi delicensing fund Increase in compliance Getting your DBS code
Tell your
passengers
to belt up!
Drivers should encourage all
adult passengers to wear a
seatbelt for their safety and
comfort, and make sure all
children are appropriately
seated and restrained.
Drivers can be issued
with a fine of up to £500
for seat belt offences.
Find out more at
gov.uk/seat-belts-law
CONTENTS 3
Contents Welcome.
There’s plenty to catch up on in the
6 14 8 trades as a new year kicks off. We’ve
got news about the enhanced taxi
delicensing fund, including converting
Euro 5 taxis to Liquid Petroleum Gas
Cleaning up At your (LPG). Find out if you’re eligible on p6.
the taxi fleet service
The taxi New disability It’s now only a matter of months
delicensing fund awareness before the Ultra Low Emission Zone
training for (ULEZ) goes live on 8 April. Taxis are
exempt from the charge, but if you are
Taxicard drivers
7 a private hire driver or operator you
need to make sure what the new rules
mean to you and whether or not you
Congestion
Charge
changes
16 are going to have to pay the £12.50
daily charge. Turn to p10 where you
can find out more.
On the cards 18 There’s encouraging news that
What private Debunking the
hire drivers there are more drivers and operators
myths about card complying with the rules. Find out
need to know readers in cabs why on p8.
We’re debunking the myths about
8 18 card readers in cabs on p16 and
explaining how you apply for your
DBS check on p22. We also have news
Feet on Gear up of increased disability training for
the street for winter drivers subscribing to the Taxicard
Compliance scheme (p14).
Top tips for driving
figures rise in all conditions Finally, be ready for anything the
winter weather might throw at you
cover with our handy list to checking over
10 story
22
22 your vehicle on p18.
Stay safe, stay warm and if there’s
anything you’d like to see us cover in
Are you How to… future issues of OnRoute, just drop us
ready a line at OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk
for ULEZ? Get your
The new zone DBS code
goes live on
23
8 April
D Pilgrim
Editor
16 Take time out
Fun quizzes for
your tea break
Contact us at OnRoute@tfl.gov.uk
London Taxi and Private Hire for operator and driver licensing TfL produces a weekly email with
230 Blackfriars Road, London enquiries and the Knowledge enquiries. information on current and forthcoming
SE1 8PJ road closures and diversions. If you
0343 222 5555 for vehicle licensing would like to receive this, please contact
For general enquiries email:
tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk
appointments and enquiries. tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk In our next issue…
TPH news on Twitter: @TfLTPH The views expressed in OnRoute
Visit the TfL website: tfl.gov.uk/tph are not necessarily those of TfL.
For constant updates on diversions,
0343 222 4444 (lines open from congestion and accidents: Professional Driver
08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday) @TfLTrafficNews (roads) of the Year
Travelling with
assistance dogs
New advertising guidelines
4 NEWS
News
Number of ZEC taxis in London:
1,100
Taxi rank news
Changes are being made to the taxi
rank passenger waiting area inside
St Pancras International. At present,
the area is too large and so some of
the unused space is being converted
into a larger retail unit. The work, set
Transformation of the to begin this month and be complete
by August, will provide an opportunity
Old Street roundabout to improve the queuing system
and refresh the signage at the taxi
rank, while the taxi waiting bays
directly outside of the station will be
TfL and Islington and Hackney Councils have started work repainted. This will result in a better
at Old Street to remove the outdated 1960s roundabout and laid-out and more efficient
queueing area.
create a better environment for cycling and walking
A spokesperson for HS1/St Pancras
International said: ‘We believe
The work will see the northwest arm of the roundabout close permanently to all traffic, creating these changes will create a better
a major new public space with better walking and cycling access to Old Street station. Traffic environment within the station that
will operate two-way through the redesigned junction, with fully segregated cycle lanes and
cycle-only traffic signals around it.
will benefit St Pancras International
customers wishing to make onward
The Congestion Charging and Ultra Low Emission Zone boundaries at Old Street roundabout journeys via taxis.’
are being amended. TfL will give a minimum one-month’s notice before making the changes
and there will be new signage for drivers to make clear the point at which the boundary begins. On 6 January, the taxi rank at Euston
moved to Euston Square Gardens.
The transformation is expected to be complete by the end of 2020. This new, canopied open air rank
will have staff on hand to assist
For more information, go to tfl.gov.uk/old-street-roundabout customers with mobility needs.
Speed control
The 33 London boroughs are considering whether to apply for a change in the law
to secure powers to prosecute drivers who breach the speed limit.
Concern is mounting at the ‘inadequate’ level of enforcement by the Metropolitan
Police Service, as traffic police have been temporarily switched to the Met’s
violent crime task force to crack down on knife and gun killings.
At the same time, boroughs are introducing a growing number of 20mph zones,
while TfL has set a target to eliminate road deaths by 2041.
London Councils will also examine whether boroughs can secure the power to
impose points on a driver’s licence as well as issue a fine for speeding.
NEWS 5
Getting the
green light
A contract to create the
next generation traffic
control and highways
management system,
to help reduce delays for
all London road users,
has been awarded.
Siemens Mobility will
Charger update
develop, deliver and
maintain Real Time TfL has delivered on its
Optimiser (RTO), a commitment to install 150
cutting-edge solution rapid electric charge points
enabling traffic flow
across the Capital’s More lamp posts across London by the end of
2018. In addition, according
lighting up in town
road network to to the Zapmap app, which
be improved. provides locations of all
charge points in London,
The cloud-hosted there are another 82 rapid
tool will continuously charge points installed by
monitor traffic In November, Southwark Council joined independent providers open
approaching the to the public.
majority of London’s Siemens and its technology partner Ubitricity
6,000 signal-controlled to unveil their first electric vehicle charge To locate a charger close to you,
intersections. That go to www.zap-map.com
data can then be used points, installed using the recently announced
to change traffic lights, London Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme
controlling vehicle
movements in the TPH
most efficient way.
The system is due to
The first Southwark resident to use these charge points is cabbie licensing
go live in 2020.
Reiss Woodward, who drives an LEVC eCity. Reiss does not have
access to off-street parking, so needed a charging solution he could
in numbers
use on-street. He is the first of 10 drivers taking part in a LEVC
Water for free trial of the chargers. LEVC will be monitoring the installation for
drivers involved in the project and getting feedback from them to
understand if this could be a good long-term solution for drivers who
23,363
Taxi drivers
Network rail has installed
new drinking fountains
cannot charge their taxis at home.
20,535
at King’s Cross, Cannon
Street, Waterloo and
Clapham Junction. Don’t spend
You can now fill up for a penny! Taxi vehicle licences
free at these stations as
well as Euston, London
107,118
From 1 April, Network Rail
Bridge, Liverpool Street, will drop charges for using
Paddington, St Pancras the public toilets at another
International and Victoria. five stations:
The hope is that by offering Private hire driver licences
a free refill point, the
Clapham Junction
87,152
network will be able to Euston
reduce plastic pollution.
King’s Cross
Liverpool Street
Private hire
Waterloo vehicle licences
2,231
For more information
about where public toilets
are in London, go to
tfl.gov.uk/public-toilets
Private hire operators
6 NEWS TAXI DELICENSING FUND
Cleaning up the
taxi fleet
Find out how TfL plans to deliver the greenest taxi fleet in the world
R
ecent analysis by the International
Council on Clean Transportation shows
that real-world emissions from London
taxis are seven times laboratory limits,
far exceeding emissions from passenger diesel
cars. TfL has announced a range of measures and
proposals to tackle these emissions and support
drivers switching to new zero emission capable
taxis. These include:
An enhanced delicensing fund
A £2.5m fund to help drivers of newer
Euro 5 taxis convert to much cleaner
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel
A consultation on a phased reduction in
maximum taxi age limits from 15 years to
12 years by 2022
Taxi delicensing fund
Top payments of £10,000 are available to the
first 250 applicants, with tiered payment levels
available to subsequent applicants on a first Eligibility of eligible Euro 5 taxis to support the
come, first served basis: shift of those vehicles with the worst
If you are the owner of a diesel taxi that NOx emissions to cleaner vehicles.
is less than 15 years old you may be able
No. of to surrender your taxi vehicle licence If you are interested in the LPG
Eligible Delicensing conversion grant scheme, please email
payments and plate in exchange for a payment
vehicles available payment from TfL. Once a taxi vehicle licence TaxiDelicensing@tfl.gov.uk. This will
has been surrendered and the vehicle enable TfL to contact you when the
delicensed it cannot be licensed in application process opens later this
Taxis younger year. However, it does not constitute
250 £10,000 London again.
than 13 years an application.
Taxis younger
250 £9,000 Apply for a delicensing payment LPG and taxi age limits
than 13 years
To apply for a delicensing grant you
TfL intends to consult on proposals
Taxis younger will need your vehicle registration
250 £8,000 to reduce the taxi age limit to 12 years
than 13 years number, Vehicle Identification Number
by 2022. The 15 year age limit would
(VIN) and vehicle licence number,
be strictly mandated in 2019, with a
Taxis younger as well as an email address we can
250 £7,000 proposed reduction in the age limit by
than 13 years contact you on.
one year, per year until a 12 year age
Please ensure you have carefully limit is reached. The age limit for Euro
Taxis younger read and understood the Terms and 6, LPG and ZEC taxis is proposed to
250 £6,000
than 13 years Conditions before applying. remain at 15 years.
The proposal for a 15 year maximum
Taxis younger
250 £5,000 Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) age limit for newly-converted LPG taxis
than 13 years
A brand new £2.5 million fund to would enable fuel savings, helping taxi
Taxis younger help owners of eligible Euro 5 taxis to owners to recoup the conversion costs
250 £4,000 convert to LPG, a much cleaner fuel while also reducing their contribution
than 13 years
system, has been created. to damaging NOx emissions in London.
Taxis younger Independent testing shows that an If your taxi has already been converted
250 £3,000
than 13 years average TX4 taxi emits more than 70 to LPG under the existing scheme it
per cent less NOx after being converted will not be impacted and will retain its
Taxis younger to run on LPG. Trials also show that exemption to the age limit.
500 £2,000
than 13 years drivers of LPG-converted taxis can save
around £200 a month in fuel costs. For more information, go to
13 and 14-year-
1,000 £1,000 A limited number of LPG conversion bit.ly/taxidelicensingscheme
old taxis grants will be made available to drivers
CONGESTION CHARGE CHANGES TPH NOTICE 7
Congestion Charge
scheme changes
TfL has announced that, following a public consultation, changes
will be made to the Congestion Charge scheme to ensure it remains
effective in reducing the use of cars in central London
Private hire vehicles
Congestion Charge penalty
From 8 April 2019, private hire vehicles
will no longer be exempt from the
A new, phased Cleaner Vehicle Discount
(CVD) will also be introduced on 8
charge notices (PCNs)
Congestion Charge when driving in April, replacing the existing Ultra Low If you are required to pay
central London during charging hours Emission Discount. In the first phase the Congestion Charge and
(Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 18:00). of the CVD, only certain zero emission- don’t do so beforehand or
This change will help reduce congestion
capable vehicles will be exempt from by midnight on the following
the Congestion Charge. To qualify, a charging day, a PCN will be
and, combined with the start of the Ultra
private hire vehicle must be Euro 6, emit issued to the registered owner
Low Emission Zone (ULEZ, see p10), will
no more than 75g/km of CO 2 and have a
ensure further action is taken to clean of the vehicle.
minimum zero emission capable range
up the fleet. Private hire vehicles that are
designated as wheelchair-accessible will
of 20 miles. Then, from October 2021, For more information, go to
only pure electric vehicles will qualify tfl.gov.uk/congestioncharge
retain the exemption.
for the discount. The discount will be or call 0343 222 2222 (Monday
withdrawn in December 2025.
to Friday, 08:00 to 20:00).
8 FEATURE COMPLIANCE
Feet on
the street
An increase in compliance activity is
having a positive effect on the trades
T
he rise in both drivers and operators and to keep abreast of any changes to where
who are compliant has been dramatic as non-compliance is taking place,’ he says.
Compliance Delivery Manager Edgerton
According to Edge, the main areas of
‘Edge’ Rodgers explains. ‘We only had
non-compliance from taxi drivers are
between 40 and 50 officers before, so we could
unattended taxis and from private hire not
not operate 24 hours a day or seven days a week.
wearing their identifiers. From the vehicle
It restricted what we could do. We recruited extra
side, it’s unauthorised signage, condition of
officers in waves and it has now enabled us to
the tyres, lights not working and damaged
cover the whole of London, including suburban
bodywork, and from operators it is failing to
areas. We can now put more resources on our
give a booking confirmation. ‘We are visiting
night shifts and can schedule more shifts towards
operators more frequently to bring them into
the end of the week in response to the weekend
compliance,’ he adds, ‘so a lot of what we are
and night-time economy in London.
doing is about education.’
‘It has enabled us to work much more closely with
Anand Nandha, head of TPH Compliance, says:
the police on things such as Operation Globe,
‘The compliance team is unrecognisable from
going out in a compliance car on mobile patrols.
that of two years ago and we have made excellent
We can also check more operators and target
progress and improvement in raising standards,
areas where we know there are higher levels of
dealing with non-compliance and working with
non-compliance such as Heathrow Airport and
partners to deal with illegal activity. A large
King’s Cross Station.’
part of this has been possible because we have
As a result, there has been a 10 per cent rise in worked and listened to the trades and are much
drivers and operators who are compliant. The better at understanding intelligence to support
increase in officer numbers has also led to more deployment. Building capability with more
detailed information being fed into Edge’s team powers has provided greater opportunity to deal
from the officers’ hand-held devices, which has with non-compliant vehicles. However, we can
helped to deploy the officers more intelligently. and will continue to improve further to ensure
‘We are in a better position now to protect the London has the safest and most reliable taxi and
licensed trade and also members of the public, private hire services in the world.’
Compliance in numbers Operator
inspections
By late 2017, the number of checks carried out was 330,000, compared
to 73,000 in the previous year
In June 2016, the private hire driver compliance rate was around 76 per
4,033
15 Nov 2015 to
cent. The compliance rate has now improved by around 15 per cent and 16 Dec 2016
stands at 91 per cent
109 officers now have CSAS (Community Safety and Accreditation
Scheme) accreditation which allows them to stop and inspect all vehicles 5,168
30 Oct 2017 to
If a driver fails to stop when directed by a CSAS-trained officer, it
is a criminal offence and will be reported to the police and TPH for 31 Oct 2018
investigation and action
COMPLIANCE FEATURE 9
We are in a better position now to protect the licensed trade and
also members of the public, and to keep abreast of any changes to
where non-compliance is taking place Edgerton Rodgers
Compliance
officer powers
Compliance officers can:
Request a copy of the
certificate of insurance
for inspection
Request a driver,
vehicle (and for PHV,
operator) licence
for inspection
Request a vehicle to
be inspected
Request a badge/driver
ID for inspection
Remove and retain
a plate/disc of expired,
suspended or
revoked licences
It is a criminal offence
to obstruct a compliance
officer from carrying
out their duties and
anyone doing so will
be prosecuted.
15 Nov 2015 to 16 Dec 2016 30 Oct 2017 to 31 Oct 2018
Compliance activity Compliance Compliance
Inspections Inspections
rate rate
TPH driver licence Taxi 14,650 79% 10,584 80%
TPH driver licence Private hire 29,782 76% 146,549 91%
TPH vehicle licence Taxi 13,639 85% 11,572 73%
TPH vehicle licence Private hire vehicle 27,650 92% 158,807 83%
TPH vehicle licence Totals 85,721 83% 327,512 86%
10 COVER STORY ULEZ
Are you
ready
for
ULEZ?ULEZ COVER STORY 11
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) launches in central
London on 8 April. Here’s everything you need to know
T
he ULEZ will replace the T-Charge more than 1.3 million visits to TfL’s online
from 8 April and will operate 24 hours
a day, seven days a week, 365 days of
compliance checker (see p12), where people
can check if their vehicle meets the ULEZ
Did you
the year, in the same area as the current emission standards. know…
Congestion Charging zone. Residents who
It has also installed more than 300 ULEZ signs
It will help take the most polluted vehicles off across central London at the same locations
are registered
London’s streets and is a central part of the as existing Congestion Charge signs, warning for the residents’
Mayor’s work to tackle the severe health impacts drivers at all entry points to the zone and on a Congestion
caused by London’s toxic air. number of key approach routes to ensure their Charge discount
vehicle meets the tough new emission standards. will get a 100
What this means for you Nick Fairholme, Director of Project and per cent ULEZ
Programme Delivery at TfL, said: ‘We are discount until 24
Although London licensed taxis will be exempt
committed to tackling the public health crisis October 2021
from ULEZ, private hire vehicles will need to
that is London’s toxic air. It affects all Londoners,
meet ULEZ emission standards. These are Euro
causing 9,000 premature deaths every year and
4 for petrol vehicles (roughly equivalent to not
reducing the quality of life for thousands more.’
being more than 13 years old) and Euro 6 for
diesel vehicles (roughly equivalent to not being
more than four years old). If your vehicle does
Future changes
not meet the standards you will have to pay an
From 25 October 2021, ULEZ will be expanded up
additional £12.50 daily charge when travelling
to the North and South Circular boundaries to
in central London. However, when carrying out a
create a single enlarged zone. This will be an area
private hire booking for a TfL-licensed operator,
10 times bigger than the central London ULEZ,
private hire vehicles registered as wheelchair
bringing an even greater reduction in
accessible will be exempt from the charge until
air pollution.
26 October 2025.
The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘We’re doing
At all other times private hire vehicle owners
everything in our power to tackle air pollution
will have to pay the charge if their designated
and are starting to see improvements in air
wheelchair-accessible vehicle does not meet the
quality with the wide-ranging action we’ve
emissions standards and is not in the disabled or
taken already on tackling the most polluting
disabled passenger vehicle tax class.
cars, and cleaning up our bus and taxi fleet.
After 26 October 2025, all wheelchair-accessible An expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone, in
private hire vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ conjunction with the Central London ULEZ,
emission standards will have to pay the charge to will really help transform the air that millions
travel in the zone. of Londoners breathe.’
TPH is introducing additional licensing
Getting the word out requirements to ensure that by 1 January 2023,
all vehicles granted a private hire licence for
TfL has been running an extensive
the first time are zero emission capable (ZEC),
communications campaign since spring 2018 to
regardless of their age. From 1 January 2020 to
prepare drivers for the ULEZ. It has contacted
31 December 2022, all new (less than 18 months
registered Congestion Charge users whose
old) private hire vehicles licensed for the first
vehicles do not meet the ULEZ standards, to
time will have to be ZEC. Private hire vehicles
remind them the new zone begins on 8 April. It
more than 18 months old will need to have a Euro
is also contacting other drivers it identifies in
6 engine when licensed for the first time. Then,
central London whose vehicles are not currently
from 1 January 2023, all private hire vehicles will
ULEZ-compliant. This has helped encourage
need to be ZEC when licensed for the first time.
ULEZ timeline
8 April 25 October 26 October
2019
ULEZ launches in central London
2021
Expansion of ULEZ up to the North
2025
Wheelchair accessible private hire
and South Circular boundary vehicles being used for bookings
start paying the daily ULEZ charge12 COVER STORY ULEZ
To make Londoners aware of the launch of ULEZ, TfL has: For more
information and to
Spoken to 5,000 businesses to discuss Placed large format roadside posters and check if your vehicle
and support vehicle upgrade plans digital displays across the TfL road network is compliant, go to
Sent more than 2.5 million emails to Run adverts in print, radio and tfl.gov.uk/ulez
registered customers video-on-demand
Additionally, TfL is working with the DVLA to reach owners of non-compliant vehicles it has seen in
the zone and provided detailed information on the TfL website.
Borough low emission zone schemes
Low emission zones are a policy in the taxis and private hire vehicles entering its possible to the area if they still want to use
Mayor’s Transport Strategy aimed at helping low emission zone from Ravey Street then a taxi’s services.
London to tackle air pollution and ultimately Willow Street. TfL will be preparing guidance for local
become zero carbon. TPH believes that the impact of any boroughs to ensure a consistent approach
To date, two schemes have been exclusion zones on disabled passengers by them in developing any new zero
implemented on a small number of roads should be fully considered by boroughs emission zones.
by Islington and Hackney boroughs. before making a decision on Issues that boroughs should consider
The Hackney scheme is currently subject introducing them. include access to areas by taxis and private
to a legal challenge which means that, It is urging taxi drivers to inform passengers hire vehicles, as well as freight and servicing,
pending the outcome of legal proceedings, of any restrictions before the start of and access for people with mobility needs. C
no enforcement action will be taken against a journey and to take them as close as M
Y
CM
MY
Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone and the extension to the North/South Circular boundary
Chigwell
CY
Edmonton
BARNET Friern 1
A10
M1
CMY
Stanmore Barnet Woodford
Edgware ad
Finchley Ro
M1
r
Cir cula
HARROW rth A40
K
No 6
A1 Wood Green
6
40
A5
A Walthamstow
HARINGEY Tottenham
Hendon REDBRIDGE
A1 WALTHAM
Harrow Hornsey FOREST A12
Wanstead
03
A10
A4
A5
1
A
Hampstead Leyton Ilford
1
Stoke Newington
BRENT
2
A1
CAMDEN HACKNEY
ISLIN
Islington
A406
A5
Wembley Hackney
Willesden
GTO
Camden Stratford
Town Barking
6
NEWHAM East Ham
A 10
40
A A1 3
N
Finsbury Bethnal
A4
A4 0 Green Bow BARKING &
1
West Ham
Shoreditch A11 DAGENHAM
Marylebone
TOWER
A1 2
A13
02 0
City of
London HAMLETS
A1
EALING Paddington CITY A13
Stepney Poplar
KE & CH
Acton A40
Ealing CITY OF
NS EL
Canary
WESTMINSTER Wharf
IN SE
GT A
HA & FU
River Thames
ON
A1
Isle of Woolwich
MM LH
02
A4 Bermondsey Dogs
Lambeth
ER AM
M4
SM
Chelsea
Brentford A4
A2 GREENWICH
ITH
Camberwell Greenwich
Chiswick Battersea SOUTHWARK Deptford
HOUNSLOW
A3
6
Barnes A2
1
BEXLEY
A3
A23
Fulham A2
0
Isleworth
Brixton
Lewisham A2
16 Putney Clapham
A3
Richmond 20 LAMBETH KEY
A
5
Wandsworth LEWISHAM ULEZ extension to the North
A3 Sou and South Circular boundary
th from 25 October 2021
Cir
A2
A 2 05
c
WANDSWORTH ular Catford
0
Ro
4
Twickenham
A2
ad Central London ULEZ
RICHMOND UPON from 8 April 2019 and
A23
Congestion Charge
THAMES
Streatham North and South Circular
MERTON
A3
boundary road is not charged
Teddington BROMLEYXXXX FEATURE 13
14 FEATURE TAXICARD
At your service
Taxicard already helps thousands of disabled people get
around the Capital and the service is about to get even betterTAXICARD FEATURE 15
T
he Taxicard scheme provides A helping hand
subsidised door-to-door
journeys in licensed taxis The scheme has been running for more so their drivers can do it at home. We will
and private hire vehicles for than 30 years and to enhance the service, then be asking them for evidence they have
customers who have serious mobility customers can now request assistance from completed the module.’
or visual impairments. It is funded by the drivers to get to and from their door.
There is a six month plan for existing
TfL and the London boroughs, and As a result, drivers are being offered new
drivers to complete the training as well
managed by London Councils on training giving them an understanding of
as some refresher passenger assistance
their behalf. disability and what is required of them.
training. New drivers subscribing to
Customers use it for everything from Alan McDonald is the Senior Account Taxicard will be given a pack and the
going shopping to doctor or hospital Manager at CityFleet which administers eLearning link when they sign up to the
appointments, visiting family and the Taxicard scheme. He explains: scheme. After three years, all drivers will
friends, and going for meals or out to ‘Drivers subscribe to our circuit and can then need to do a refresher course.
bingo. They are a real mixture of ages stay with us as long as they like as long as
Joyce Mamode is Head of Assisted
and disabilities, although only one in they undertake some practical disability
Transport at TfL. She says: ‘TfL would like
four is dependent on a wheelchair. awareness training. Although private hire
to encourage more taxi and private hire
drivers fulfil only a small proportion of the
supply into the scheme because with more
Taxicard journeys we want all our drivers to
drivers subscribing to it we can build more
have the same level of professionalism.
flexibility on journeys for customers. It’s
‘We invite taxi drivers to come into a a significant amount of business for the
classroom on a day’s training on how to trades and is a steady income for drivers as
provide the necessary customer services they are guaranteed a certain amount of
assistance. This is being rolled out to all journeys. They can always do work as an
the taxi drivers as they need to come into independent driver when not working for
us to upgrade the equipment in their taxis. Taxicard. We are looking for drivers who
For our private hire operators, we are feel they want to give something back to
supplying a link to an eLearning module Londoners with disabilities.’
Taxicard gives us the freedom to do everyday things
without having to rely on friends or family for lifts
Customer Olav Ernstzen
Real life stories Taxicard – the numbers
Established
Gary is a taxi driver from Southend who
has been on the ComCab radio circuit for
Olav Ernstzen is
visually-impaired 30 years ago
more than 25 years and says customers and regularly uses Currently around
are pleased for the help, company and the Taxicard
service the drivers offer. service. He says:
‘Disabled people
1,750 taxi drivers
He adds: ‘Many non-ComCab drivers which will increase to around
enjoy the same lives
I speak to are envious of the account
and those that have gone on to join the as others, including
going shopping, to
2,650
circuit are glad that they did so with a classes or just enjoying ourselves. in the first quarter of 2019
far greater offering of work than any
commercial account or street-hired jobs.
I have learned many valuable life lessons
Taxicard gives us the freedom to do these
things without having to rely on friends 66,000
from Taxicard passengers who are often or family for lifts. I have used Taxicard Taxicard members
for years and always find drivers friendly,
elderly, disabled and vulnerable people,
and many have become familiar and
friendly customers, which makes an often
helpful and professional. I am blind, and
without something simple like guidance to
1.2 million
and from my door, I am stranded without journeys a year
trying working day a very satisfying one.’ my transport or my independence.’
90 per cent
of journeys provided by taxi
Taxi drivers interested in subscribing to the Taxicard scheme should contact 020 8962 1800. 10 per cent
Private hire operators interested in subscribing to the Taxicard scheme should contact of journeys provided by private
servicepartners@cityfleet.co.uk hire vehicle16 FEATURE CARD READERS IN CABS
On the cards
Debunking the myths about card readers in taxis
W
ith the rise of contactless bank There are no exemptions from the card payment
cards, Apple Pay and Google mandate and any taxi found not complying
Pay, we are increasingly moving with the regulations will be issued with an
to a cashless society and that is unfit notice. This will remain in place until
especially true when paying for transport. Half the requirement is fulfilled and the vehicle is
of all Tube and rail pay as you go journeys in presented for inspection.
London are now regularly made using contactless
Writing in the London Evening Standard, Steve
payment cards or mobile devices as many people
McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed
no longer carry cash with them.
Taxi Drivers’ Association said: ‘London’s taxi
This was the reason why the TfL Board agreed trade has operated since the 17th century in one
that all taxi passengers should be able to pay form or another. We will continue to adapt to the
by card, including contactless, back in 2016. needs of Londoners...
From 31 October 2016, all licensed taxi drivers
‘Our adoption of app technology, with every taxi
have been required to accept credit and debit
accepting credit and contactless payments, will
card payments.
ensure we will remain a valued part of our city’s
transport mix.’
The easy way to pay
Payment cards themselves may be our ‘flexible
Tap and go
friends’ but there is no bending of the rules
According to the UK Cards Association, the
about what payment devices are approved by
volume of debit card purchases made in the
TfL. Hand-held payment devices do not meet the
UK is forecast to grow to more than 18 billion
licensing requirements. The devices are required
transactions in 2026. This represents a 57
to be fixed in the passenger compartment so
per cent increase compared to the number of
passengers stay in control of their card details at
transactions in 2016, while contactless payment
all times. Only card payment devices installed
volumes will also rise and are forecast to account
in the passenger compartment which have the
for more than half of all debit card payments
facility to produce a printed receipt on request by
in 2026.
the passenger are approved by TfL.CARD READERS IN CABS FEATURE 17
Card payment Card payment
System(s) Website
Approved for
providers provider TX eCity?
There are currently
16 card payment
Cab:app Ltd Miura M010 cabapp.io Yes
providers with approved
systems for use in
London taxis. Ten of these Ingenico IPP220
Cabvision Network Ltd www.cabvision.com Yes
are approved for use in Ingenico IPP350
the new LEVC eCity taxi
CMT UK Ltd CMT FREEdom Solution www.cmt.london Yes
ComCab VeriFone VX820 www.comcablondon.com Yes
Curb Mobility Ltd VeriFone VX680 www.gocurb.com Yes
Dial a Cab Ingenico IPP350 www.dialacab.co.uk Yes
Farepay Ltd Miura M010 www.farepay.co.uk No
Ingenico ICT220
Ingenico ingenico.co.uk No
Ingenico ICT350
iZettle Miura M010 www.izettle.com Yes
MyTaxi SumUp Air www.mytaxi.com No
Payataxi Miura M010 www.payataxi.com Yes
SumUp (formerly
Miura M010 www.sumup.co.uk/payleven No
Payleven)
PayPal Miura M010 www.paypal.com Yes
If you know of a card
payment device that MT Data
has not been approved Sherbet www.mtdata-uk.com No
Ingenico IPP350
by TfL, but which you
would like to use, please Taxiworld Ltd Taxiworld FREEdom Solution www.taxiworld.co.uk Yes
ask the company to
contact TfL as it may be
possible for their device The Payment House Miura M010 www.thepaymenthouse.com No
to be approved for use.
Card reader checklist for drivers
You should check that the card payment device When reporting a problem, the card payment device
is functioning correctly before you start work. company should be asked to provide:
If you have a problem with the card payment device Confirmation that the problem has been reported
you should contact the provider of the card payment Details of the appointment for the device to be fixed
system as soon as possible in order to report the or replaced
problem and get it fixed.
This information must then be produced if you are stopped
If you rent your taxi, tell the owner about the problem by a compliance officer before the card payment device has
so they can report it to the card payment device been fixed or replaced.
company and arrange for the fault to be fixed, the device
to be replaced or to provide you with a replacement taxi
if necessary.18 FEATURE TOP TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING
Gear up
for winter
Snow, fog, ice, sleet – make sure you and your vehicle are prepared
for winter weather conditions
Your vehicle –
checks and measures
It’s worth making a few
1 2
simple checks to ensure
your vehicle is in the right Book a service Check the battery
condition to deal with
whatever the weather Breakdown bills can be costly so a Batteries perform less well in winter months
has in store. service before the harsh conditions hit while having to cope with the increased use of
makes sense. lights, heater and blower, so make sure yours
is fully charged.
You should also conduct your own
daily checks on your vehicle: Electric vehicles will use more charge during
the winter months. Being fully charged will save
Tyres (pressure, tread depth, you from range anxiety. If you drive an eCity
sidewall condition) taxi, try to charge your battery during, or at the
end of, a shift when the battery is at operating
Oil level and coolant level temperature to speed up charge times. When
starting from cold it’s possible to operate in
Washer fluid ‘Save’ mode for a few minutes. This runs the
petrol range-extender to maintain the charge
Lights in the battery, but has the useful side effect of
generating heat as a by-product of the internal
Horn, seat belt condition and combustion process, which can be used by
door mechanisms the systems on-board to warm up the battery
and cab.TOP TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING FEATURE 19
3 Safe driving
in winter 5
Weather conditions can
Use antifreeze deteriorate rapidly so allow extra Check your tyres
time for your journey and reduce
Engine coolant becomes more diluted your speed; it’s better to get there Your tyres are essential to both
over the year as you top up with water. slightly later than not at all. steering and braking so they need
The ideal mix is 50/50 water and to be in good condition. Make sure
antifreeze, so do top up your antifreeze
Major roads are more likely to be there are no cuts, tears or bulges and
if cold weather is forecast.
well-gritted than side roads, but the tyre pressure is correct. The legal
do make sure you are aware of minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm in
alternative routes if necessary. a continuous band across the central
three-quarters of the tread width. Tyre
You won’t be able to spot black
4
wear bar indicators are positioned
ice, so setting off in a higher gear around the circumference of the tyre
can help avoid wheel spin. You and if the tread pattern has worn down
should use higher gears once you to the level of the indicators the tyre
are on your way and accelerate must be replaced.
gently when the road is slippery.
Check your brake fluid In really adverse conditions you could
On bends, apply your brakes also look at changing from summer
Low brake fluid levels could be an
before you turn the wheel to help to winter tyres as they have a higher
indication the brake pads are worn or
avoid skidding. If you do skid, silica content which gives you better
there is a leak in the system, so check
the advice is usually to steer in grip in the cold and wet.
the level but don’t top it up. If it is low
the same direction as the car
it should be checked by a suitably is skidding.
qualified person.
Eyes on the road
Adverse winter weather
conditions can make it difficult to
see clearly. There are the darker
mornings, glare from the low
setting winter sun and reduced
visibility in rain and fog. All of
these factors can make driving
conditions more hazardous at this
time of year.
If you’ve noticed changes with
your eyesight, you need to get it
checked out. Common problems
include finding it harder to judge
distances, struggling to read road
signs or difficulties while driving at
night (including ‘halos’ or fuzziness
around bright lights).
All drivers should have their vision
6 7
tested at least every two years,
but if you notice any change in Clean your lights, Don’t be fuelish,
your eyesight, go and see your windscreen and wipers check your fuel and oil
optician straightaway – don’t wait
until your next check-up or when
your driving licence is due Give your windscreen a thorough clean Make sure you’ve got at least a quarter
for renewal. inside and out and top up your screen of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected
washer fluid with antifreeze. Check all delay and check the oil level.
your lights are working.20 EVENTS CALENDAR
Calendar
January February
18 January 25 January 28 January 1 February London Affiliate England vs
The 1975 The France Young Voices The Wombats Conference France rugby
O2 Arena Show 2019 O2 Arena Wembley Arena ExCeL Arena match
(and 19 January) Olympia (until 1 February) (and 8 February) (Six Nations)
(until 27 January) 3 February Twickenham
19 January Cancer Boyzone
Architects Harlequins Research O2 Arena 11 February
Wembley Arena vs Saracens London (and 16 Ozzy Osbourne
rugby match Winter Run February) O2 Arena
22 January The Stoop Central London
24th National 9 February 14 February
Television Awards St James’s 4 February Don Broco VidCon
O2 Arena Place Wealth Young Voices Wembley Arena London 2019
Management O2 Arena ExCeL Arena
23 January O2 Arena (and 5 February) Strictly Come
BETT 2019 Dancing live 16 February
ExCeL Arena 26 January 6 February O2 Arena Cruise Show
(until 26 January) Snow Patrol Tears For Fears (and 10 2019
O2 Arena O2 Arena February) Olympia
24 January (and 2 February) (and 17 February)
Education Show 7 February 10 February
ExCeL Arena (and 27 January Strictly Come Pure London Harlequins
25 January) Davido Dancing live February 2019 vs Worcester
O2 Arena Wembley Arena Olympia Warriors
(and 8 February) (until 12 rugby match
February) The StoopCALENDAR EVENTS 21
March
Saracens vs 24 February 2 March Futurebuild 9 March Post Malone
Leicester Tigers Professor LFCC Spring 19 ExCeL Arena England vs Italy O2 Arena
rugby match Brian Cox Live Olympia (until 7 March) rugby match (and 14 March)
Allianz Park Wembley Arena (Six Nations)
Flame 4 6 March Twickenham 16 March
21 February Professional Conference WE Day 2019 England vs
Fatboy Slim Beauty Wembley Arena Wembley Arena Harlequins vs Scotland
Wembley Arena ExCeL Arena Gloucester rugby rugby match
Asha Bhosle 7 March match (Six Nations)
22 February 25 February Wembley Arena Twenty One Pilots The Stoop Twickenham
Catfish & Steely Dan Wembley Arena
The Bottlemen Wembley Arena Saracens vs (until 9 March) 10 March 17 March
Wembley Arena Northampton The Big Half International Food
26 February Saints 8 March (Half Marathon) and Drink
Bright Serenity International rugby match Move It Central London ExCeL Arena
Ministries Confex 2019 Allianz Park ExCeL Arena (until 20 March)
ExCeL Arena Olympia (until 11 March) 11 March
(and 27 5 March The St Patrick’s
Massive Attack February) Security and Country to NICKIHNDRXX Day Parade
O2 Arena Counter Terror Country 2019 Tour Trafalgar Square
27 February Expo 2019 O2 Arena O2 Arena
23 February Bryan Adams Olympia (until 10 March) Blue Planet II –
X Factor Live Wembley Arena (and 6 March) 13 March Live In Concert
Wembley Arena Disney on Ice O2 Arena
Wembley Arena
(until 17 March)22 HOW TO... APPLY FOR A DBS CODE
Apply for a
DBS code
Here’s what to do when applying for, or updating, your enhanced
criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Y
ou will have to submit personal In the interest of your own data protection,
data when applying for your you should only provide copies and not Did you know?
DBS code. TfL processes this in the original documents when sending in The DBS has an online
compliance with the General information containing personal details,
subscription service that lets
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in order such as DVLA share codes, driving licences
to keep it secure. and passport.
applicants keep their DBS
certificates up to date. This
also allows employers to check
a certificate online, with the
consent of the applicant. The
To apply for a DBS certificate, drivers should: update service can help to
reduce possible delays in the
1. Go to gbg.onlinedisclosures.co.uk 5. Pay for the DBS application at the
processing of any application.
and select Register, using the PIN Post Office.
It will also save you money as it
code and secret word provided. 6. Once this has been done, you will be is cheaper than paying for a new
2. Complete the application online issued with an E-number. This will DBS check every three years.
with all your details. only be available for three working
3. Select the relevant identification days following ID verification at the You can register for the update
documents (driving licence, Post Office. service when you apply for
passport) for verification using the If you do not use your E-number your DBS check or by using
online help tool. within three working days following your original DBS certificate
4. Print off the barcoded sheet verification, it will expire and you number when it has been issued
from the online system and take will need to start the whole (you must do this within
it with your original identification process again. 30 days of your DBS certificate
documents (ID) to a Post Office being issued).
to be verified.
To request a paper application pack, please contact GBGroup on 0845 251 5000
or email ltph@gbgplc.com
Paper applications should be returned to LTPH GBGroup, 1 Wilford Business Park, To register for the DBS update service,
Ruddington Lane, Nottingham, NG11 7EP. go to bit.ly/dbs-update-serviceJUST FOR FUN 23
Take time out
Word search From the Twitter feed
Can you find eight forms of transport that run on wheels listed in the grid?
J S T M Y O P L N Y P L O M The @TfLTPH Twitter feed now has
15,930 followers
R F D W E K I B R O T O M I
You say…
F H U S U B I N I M G N U P Thanks @MayorofLondon for your support of the
Knowledge. We want to show young people that being
H A J N L P N E Z R O E L O a taxi driver is one of the most rewarding careers out
there – be your own boss, meet thousands of people
and be a key part of London’s transport system
G O K Y I M L B Q D D M R R
D C O P K C V Q A E S A N F
A L C A Y S U D W K U R G Z
E Z A C I O P L P U J T Q X
Q E I N A A H W A E L K A W
W B T T U X C I U R U T Z A
Do you know?
E E F T O M A S I E W Y P I
1
In 1814, the Thames froze over. What animal was
R P E W B L O R R Y C F S M paraded across the river near Blackfriars Bridge
to demonstrate the thickness of the ice?
U I S B O A C P N L A Y T K
2 At what temperature do tarmac roads generally
begin to melt?
F D E K L P O M A N R G E L
3 Where in London can you visit a recently restored
Motorbike Car Lorry Bicycle Temperate House containing plants from Africa,
Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Asia and
Funicular Minibus Tram Coach the Pacific Islands?
4 In 1252, King Henry III was gifted a polar bear.
These four London place names can be completed using the same sequence In which famous London landmark did he keep it?
of three letters. What is it?
5 What scorching temperature do archaeologists
H A R R _ _ _ AY K _ _ _ SBURY believe the Great Fire of London reached in 1666?
5. 1,700°C
PA D D _ _ _ TO N BARK _ _ _ 1. An elephant 2. Roughly 50°C 3. Kew Gardens 4. The Tower of London
Across Down 1 2
1 Something that taxi drivers and cricketers 1 This can be for working, rest 3 4
have in common! or refreshment
3 Familiar term for someone who drives a 2 Since 1 January 2018, taxis presented 5 6 7
taxi cab for licensing for the first time have
5 Passing this takes lots of hard work needed to be…
8 This will depend on tariffs and 4 This might be green or yellow 8 9
journey time 6 Everyone’s favourite taxi and private
9 Set this to calculate what a customer hire magazine!
10
should pay 7 A greener alternative to diesel –
11 Putting the T in TPH… just don’t forget to charge 11
12 New clean air zone coming to London 8 A number of vehicles owned by
in April 2019 a company 12
10 When the light is on, a cab is For5 High Barnet Cockfosters
Loughton
6
Night Tube operates on Totteridge & Whetstone Oakwood Buckhurst Hill
Friday and Saturday nights
4
Woodside Park Southgate
5
4
Woodford
West Finchley Arnos Grove
Central line Edgware
Stanmore Bounds Green South Woodford Hainault
Jubilee line Burnt Oak
Finchley Central
Canons Park Fairlop
Northern line East Finchley Wood Green
3
Colindale
Snaresbrook
Queensbury Barkingside
Piccadilly line Hendon Central
Highgate Turnpike Lane
Tottenham
Kingsbury Hale Newbury Park
Victoria line Brent Cross
Archway Manor House
Walthamstow
Redbridge
Wembley Park Central
Seven Blackhorse
London Overground Golders Green Sisters Road
Wanstead Gants Hill
3
Neasden
Tufnell Park
Taxi rank Dollis Hill Hampstead Arsenal Finsbury Park Leytonstone
(Taxis subject to availability)
Willesden Green
Belsize Park
Holloway Road Leyton
Kilburn Kentish Town Highbury &
2
Islington
2
Chalk Farm
West Hampstead
Finchley Road Camden Town Caledonian Road Canonbury Stratford
Swiss Cottage
Mornington
St John’s Wood Crescent Dalston Junction
Euston King’s Cross Haggerston
St Pancras
Baker Street
Hoxton
1
Warren Street
Russell Square
Liverpool Street West Ham
Goodge Bethnal Mile End
Street Green
Bond Shoreditch
Oxford High Street
Street Circus Bank
1 2 2/3 3 4
Marble Arch Tottenham Holborn Chancery Lane
Court Road Whitechapel
West East Shepherd’s Notting
Acton Acton Bush Hill Gate
Ealing Covent Garden
Broadway Lancaster
North White Holland Queensway Gate St Paul’s Shadwell
Green Park
Acton City Park Leicester Square
6 5 4 3 2 1
Canning Town
Hyde Park Corner Piccadilly
Circus Wapping
Knightsbridge
Charing Cross River Thames
South Acton Barons Gloucester
Ealing Town Hammersmith Court Road Rotherhithe
Canary Wharf
Westminster
Turnham Earl’s South
Northfields Green Court Kensington Victoria Embankment
London Bermondsey Canada North
Bridge Water Greenwich
Boston Manor
2
Osterley Waterloo
2
Hounslow East
Southwark
Hounslow Central Pimlico
Heathrow Hatton Cross
Hounslow
West
Vauxhall
1 Surrey Quays
Terminals 2 & 3
3 Kennington
2
Oval
Heathrow New Cross Gate Manor House Station in both fare zones Hounslow West
Stockwell
Terminal 5 Clapham North Step-free access for manual wheelchairs only.
Interchange stations
4
St Paul’s
Clapham Common Exit only during Night Tube until mid-April 2019.
Step-free access from street to train
Clapham South Brixton Waterloo
No direct access from Jubilee line to taxi rank.
Step-free access from street to platform
Balham
3
Tooting Bec Airport
Tooting Broadway
Colliers Wood
South Wimbledon
Morden
Transport for London
4
This diagram is an evolution of the original design conceived in 1931 by Harry Beck · Correct at time of going to print · Poster December 2018You can also read
