🟥 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

We’ve had reports from drivers that CC machine suppliers are now demanding their equipment back from drivers who don’t appear to be using the authorised machines to clear transactions. 

In an email to a driver, they’ve been asked to return the terminal and printer, or pay over £700 to keep the machines in their cabs. If your machine is removed by the supplier, it will render the vehicle unfit and drivers may have trouble getting another provider to fit a new machine. (Apparently, they have a black list).

Many drivers it appears, have been using unauthorised hand held units in a bid to cut down expenses, but this renders the vehicle not fit for purpose, in the eyes of TfL. (See TfL statement below).

Amazingly, the Licensed Taxi trade (drivers and representative groups) just sat back and allowed these restrictions, yet no similar restriction was handing down to Private Hire vehicles or drivers.

This could also open the door to suppliers charging a weekly/monthly rental for their equipment. 

As a founder member of the Save Black Taxis group, we campaigned against the mandate on only authorised CC readers being fitted in vehicles, but our campaign wasn’t supported by the main body of the trade. I personally received many comments calling me a luddite, saying it was “the way forward and would put more bums on seats”. 

I took Credit cards for many years on a hand held system and never had a problem. Why should I have been forced to use one of their authorised/expensive systems fitted in the rear?

Also why should I be made (again under the COF) to advertise certain CC companies? 

I am quite willing just to have a sign saying I take cards, contactless of otherwise. 

With drivers currently using handheld units (unauthorised) in a bid to save a percentage points on transactions, it was only a matter of time before the suppliers hit back. And they have. 

𝐓𝐀𝐗𝐈 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐓:

TfL say not only can they put an unfit notice on a vehicle that does not meet the conditions of fitness requirement, they can also review a drivers fitness to be licensed.

Will we start seeing drivers loosing their bills?

Below is TfL's statement on their website.

“All taxi drivers must accept card and contactless payments via the approved TfL fixed card payment device located in the passenger compartment and provide printed receipts for those payments upon request. Handheld payment devices do not meet the licensing requirements and are regarded as unapproved devices.

Any taxi found not complying with the requirement will be issued with an unfit notice, which will remain in place until the requirement is fulfilled and the vehicle is presented for inspection. A driver found to be using any unapproved device also may have their fitness to be licensed reviewed. All taxis must also display the taxi contactless and card acceptance signs”: