TFL News update dated 09 Feb 2025

Update on 09-Feb-2025

SERU Assessment Support

TFL offers additional support for applicants preparing for their PHV (Private Hire Vehicle) Driver's assessment by providing audio files of the PHV Driver's Handbook on their website. These files are organized by chapter, allowing applicants and licensees to listen repeatedly to enhance their knowledge and build confidence. This resource complements other materials available on the SERU requirements page, including an online assessment guide. These tools are designed to help drivers understand the assessment format, the types of questions that will be asked, and provide screenshots to illustrate what they can expect on the day of the assessment.

Keep Yourself Informed

Updated guidance and information are available on TFL’s notices and consultations page. This includes important updates on the HMRC tax check requirements for licensees, taxi fares, tariffs, and guidance for PHV operators.

Stopping and Waiting

Taxi and private hire drivers are allowed to stop to pick up or drop off passengers in many areas with stopping or waiting restrictions. To ensure that drivers are informed and aware of where and when it is appropriate and safe to stop, TFL encourages drivers to visit their website for the latest updates.

Upcoming Events

● Mohsen Namjoo – Thursday, 16 January at the O2 Forum

● Cirque du Soleil: Corteo – Thursday, 16 to Sunday, 19 January at the Royal Albert Hall

● Ben Elton – Saturday, 18 January at the Duke of York's Theatre

● Joshua Bassett – Sunday, 19 January at the Eventim Apollo

Demonstrations in Central London

● On Saturday, 18 January, two marches are scheduled in central London:

1. 11:00 - 18:00: March from BBC Studios at Portland Place to Whitehall (route may change). Large crowds and heavy traffic expected.

2. 12:00 - 17:00: March from Waterloo Station to Buckingham Palace. Large crowds and heavy traffic expected.

Road Updates

● Regent's Park: From 18:00 to 23:00 on Thursday, 16 January, stop-and-go traffic holds will be in place along Park Crescent and Portland Place due to filming. Expect increased traffic levels.

● Large Vehicle Transportation: On Friday, 17 January and Saturday, 18 January, a large vehicle will be transported from Tilbury Docks in Essex through south-east and south-west London, expected to reach Bengeworth Road in Camberwell by 04:00 the following morning. Expect delays and heavy traffic along the route.

● A20 Sidcup Road and Sidcup Bypass: Essential maintenance works will take place until Wednesday, 29 January from 22:00 to 05:00 each night. Work includes road repairs, gully cleaning, lighting maintenance, and more. This will cause restricted access in phases on various parts of the A20 and Sidcup Road, with signed diversions in place.

● A40 Westway: From Friday, 22:00 until Monday, 05:00 each weekend until Monday, 17 February 2025, the A40 Westway will be closed eastbound between the Westway roundabout and Marylebone Flyover for safety improvements.

Rank Suspensions

The following taxi ranks will be temporarily out of service due to various works:

● 4762 Park Lane/Hamilton Place (Hilton Hotel):

○ Suspended until 18:00 on Thursday, 16 January and 11:00 to 15:00 on Friday, 17 January.

○ Third portion only suspended for coach pick-ups.

● 5203 Great Cumberland Place/Bryanston Street (Cumberland Hotel):

○ Suspended until 17:00 on Friday, 17 January.

○ 10 meters of the second portion and all of the third portion suspended for streetlighting upgrades.

● 5091 Lower Sloane Street:

○ Suspended until 17:00 on Saturday, 18 January for utility works.

● 5432 Pall Mall (RAC Club):

○ Suspended until 17:00 on Sunday, 19 January for scaffolding installation at the RAC Club.

● 5799 St. James's Square (In & Out Club/Naval Military Club):

○ Suspended from 00:01 on Saturday, 18 January until 17:30 on Sunday, 19 January for filming. Stop/go boards will be in place around the square.

● 5788 Eccleston Place (Victoria Station):

○ Suspended from 07:00 on Monday, 20 January until 18:00 on Friday, 7 February for carriageway utility works. Full road closure in place, and no coaches will use this entrance.

● 5616 Chesham Place:

○ Suspended from 08:00 on Tuesday, 21 January until 18:00 on Wednesday, 22 January for crane operations (subject to weather conditions).

● 5426 Elgin Avenue:

○ Suspended until 18:00 on Friday, 31 January for central medium and tree installation. The rank will be relocated kerbside as part of this scheme.

● 5262 Kilburn High Road (London Marriott Hotel):

○ Suspended until 16:00 on Saturday, 1 February for cycleway and footway reconstruction. The rank will return to normal operation once the works are completed.

● 6000 Charterhouse Street:

○ Suspended until 18:00 on Tuesday, 4 February for construction works related to the London Museum. This suspension is likely to be long-term and will be reviewed periodically.

● 4884 Matthew Parker Street:

○ Suspended until Saturday, 15 February for gas main replacement works. A road closure will be in place.

● 4478 Upper Berkeley Street/Montagu Street:

○ Suspended until 18:00 on Monday, 24 February for utility works. A road closure is in place.

● 5561 High Street, New Malden:

○ Suspended from 09:00 to 15:00 Mondays to Fridays until Friday, 13 June for construction works (pit lane).

● 6177 Aldwych/Catherine Street (Novello Theatre):

○ Suspended between 06:00 and 18:00 daily until Monday, 29 December. The second portion of the rank will be unavailable during these times for building works/pit lane. The front 22 metres of the rank will be available for taxis to use from 18:00 until 06:00 each day.