TFL Agree to Private Hire Ranks?...By Wongo.

Below is an extract from the meetings betweem LTPH & Private Hire about the 'age limit'.

Proposal 4 AGREED by TfL it seems.

Taxi and Private Hire
PHV MAQS workshop 120210 11/01/2011
Private Hire Proposals – after discussion
Proposal
Details
Reason
Trade Comments


Proposal 1:
Minimum Euro IV Standard
TfL proposes that all new PHVs entering the fleet must be at least Euro IV standard with effect from 1 April 2012, and Euro V from 1 April 2015.
The Mayors draft Air Quality Strategy proposed Euro IV with effect from 2012.


Agreed: Euro V would raise costs significantly as many newly licensed vehicles are recent but second hand.


Proposal 2:
10 year age limit on all PHVs
TfL proposes that a 10 year age limit for all licensed London PHVs be introduced with effect from 1 April 2012. From this point any PHVs over 10 years would not be re-licensed as a London PHV, although it is expected that there would be some exemptions yet to be defined such as vehicles with very low emissions, heritage or specially adapted vehicles.
The Mayors draft Air Quality Strategy proposed a 15 year limit from 2012, tightening to a 10 year limit from 2015 which would then be a rolling limit. The great majority of PHV operators and owners would have no difficulty in complying with a 10-year limit, and the increase in costs for some customers would be compensated by the improved vehicle standards.


Agreed: Trade support this, and seek clarity on the grounds for exemptions, but at least the three categories listed (with adaptations covering both accessibility and security requirements) should be allowed.


Proposal 3:
Mandatory Smarter Driving training TfL proposes that completion of an accredited Smarter Driving Training course would be a requirement for grant or renewal of a driver’s licence after April 2012 Smarter driving techniques could significantly reduce emissions from PHVs, as well as improving fuel consumption and economy.


Not agreed: Concern about requirement for existing licensees, and about the barrier to entry into the trade (relating to availability and cost of suitable training). May be more appropriate to require before first licence renewal
Subsidies may not be available for mandatory training as they are for voluntary
Possibly link training with reduced licence fees.

Proposal 4:
Improved facilities for waiting
TfL to liaise with the GLA (for MTS) and highway authorities for exemptions to stopping and waiting restrictions for PHVs waiting for booked fares
This will allow drivers to wait legitimately in circumstances where now they either keep engines running so they can move off if need be, or they cruise around a pick-up point (adding to emissions and congestion) in order to avoid getting PCN's. 

Agreed: Seek also facilities to wait in advance of booking: perhaps some form of permit for PHV's with driver to wait in CPZ's etc. Acknowledge risks of being seen as plying for hire.

Proposal 5:
Increased enforcement of touting.
In order to support the PH trade TfL commits to continually reduce back office administration expenditure and increase funding available for enforcement and supporting activities.
By committing to work with TfL to reduce vehicle emissions the PH trade would like to see TfL take steps to address key issues which impact driver earnings.


Agreed: Concern that TfL T&PH staff only have powers relating to licensees, but explained that this funding would cover enhancements to Met Police Cab Enforcement Unit as well as TfL enforcement.


Proposal 6
Incentives through licence fees
Reduced licence fees for low-emissions vehicles
Incentive to drivers and operators


Agreed: Worth considering but small part of costs.


Proposal 7
Recognition scheme
Scheme to identify particularly good operators and allow them to use brand in advertising
Would help customers identify high-standard operators (possibly sustainability and customer service measures)
Could be criterion for GLA group & other public contracts.


Not agreed: Not sure appropriate for the regulatory authority
Could restrict suppliers and raise costs
Tendering authorities already impose standards so little real difference
Maybe more appropriate to require a general statement of environmental compliance than a prescriptive scheme


Proposal 8 Colour schemes
Allow only low-emissions vehicles to be particular colour (eg green)
Would help customers identify high-standard vehicles


Not agreed: Danger of public taking PHV identification as authority to use as a taxi

Here's the link: Click Here,  its all at the end.

The UCG highlighted it in their second issue of UC News

This situation has been running in Kingston for years. No one from any trade org has challenged, as far as TfL are concerned a precedent has been set. So get ready to see it rolled out all over London.


30 months ago the United Taxi trade declared war on the PCO, spearheaded by the LTDA with the headlines

"Let Battle Commence"

Well Bob we are still waiting for you to fire the first shot...TtT.