Taxi and Private Hire Trade
David Kurten’s Question to the Mayor of London
David Kurten Asks Khan:
Given the new safety law banning touching mobile phone devices when driving, how will TfL ensure that Private Hire drivers comply with this, so that they do not touch any mobile devices to take a new job, or search for directions, unless they are stationary.
Sadiq Khan Replies:
I am concerned about the potential for any distraction for motorists, especially if it may impair their ability to drive safely, which can put them and other road users at risk.
Transport for London’s (TfL’s) safety advice for drivers and other road users is clear, and aligned with the law, stating that the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is illegal.
The law makes it an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
This only captures certain types of use. I am aware of the ongoing Government consultation which contains a proposal to expand the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving to include non-connected mobile application actions.
However, at present there is no new safety law banning the touching of mobile phone devices when driving.
The consultation document says: “The proposal will still apply only in circumstances where a driver picks up the phone to use it while driving; any change we make to the law on the use of hand-held mobile phones arising from this consultation will not affect the use of mobile phones which are positioned in a cradle and used while remaining in the cradle (for example as a satnav).”
Therefore, the scenario set out in your question, which is relevant to both taxi and private hire drivers, would not be in the scope of the proposed legislation that is being consulted on.
Khan was also asked by Cllr Kurten, in light of the Bishopsgate Bus Gate, how much extra would a Taxi cost to a disabled wheelchair user from Guys Hospital to Liverpool Street Station?
Khan said he couldn’t give a definite quote. But offered up a route that would almost double the fate.
TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT:
TfL are selling off their station car parks.
GLA Cllr Susan Hall asks Khan:
How much land does TfL intend to transfer or sell as a result of their station car park building programme?
Khan’s reply:
Transport for London’s (TfL) aim is to create a long-term sustainable revenue from its land.
Therefore the most valuable development sites are brought forward in joint ventures with developers meaning TfL retains an interested party in the sites.
Otherwise TfL retains freehold interest and sells long leases of varying lengths. TfL only disposes of non-operational land which is surplus to requirements
MORE JOBS FOR THE BOYS PERHAPS ????
How does this affect the Taxi trade?
If this encourages more people to work from home because they can’t drive to their local station and park their car as they always have done, and because of the CC and ULEZ charges they won’t be driving in.... therefore, there will be less work arriving at Central London stations !!!!
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