Starting July 1, 2024, new licensing requirements will come into effect for Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers in London, aiming to enhance safety and compliance.
Key Changes:
- Self-Reporting of Police Involvement:
PHV drivers must notify Transport for London (TfL) of any arrests, charges, cautions, or convictions within 48 hours, including traffic offenses resulting in penalty points. - Complaints Signage:
All PHVs must display new signage with TfL’s complaint contact details and safety information. This will be installed during annual licensing inspections from summer 2024. - Overseas Criminal Checks:
Applicants who have lived abroad for three months or more in the last 10 years must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from the relevant country. - DBS Checks for PHV Operators:
All individuals associated with a PHV operator’s licence must undergo annual basic DBS checks. - Booking and Dispatch Staff:
PHV operators must maintain a register of booking and dispatch staff, retain records for 12 months, and conduct DBS checks for all staff. - Booking Records:
From July 2024, additional information must be recorded for each booking, including the names of individuals handling the booking and dispatch, the PHV driver’s licence number, and the vehicle registration mark.
For more details, you can refer to the TfL notice
These changes aim to improve the safety and reliability of PHV services in London, ensuring better protection for passengers and accountability for drivers and operators. Stay updated with TfL’s latest requirements to ensure compliance and continued service excellence.