Transport for London News 19th April, 2024

DBS Update Service Mandatory for Taxi and PHV Driver Licenses

As of now, applying for a new or renewing a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) driver's license with Transport for London (TfL) requires mandatory registration with the DBS Update Service. Drivers have two windows to register:

• Within 28 days of applying for an enhanced DBS check.
• Within 30 days of receiving the DBS certificate.

Missing these windows will require a new application and payment for an enhanced DBS check.

For more information, refer to the following resources:

• TfL video explaining the changes
• Guidance documents (link 1, link 2)
• TPH Notice 07/23

Preventing Child Exploitation

The Children's Society, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, offers resources to help licensed drivers identify and prevent child exploitation and modern slavery. Find the materials here: link to resources.

OnRoute Magazine - Spring Issue Available

The latest edition of OnRoute Magazine for taxi and private hire drivers is now available. It features articles on:

• New rapid electric charging hubs across London
• Advice for private hire drivers seeking the Knowledge of London qualification
• Wellbeing tips
• The London Taxi Drivers' Charity for Children

Event Information

• WWE Wrestling (Friday, April 19): The O2 Arena will have a marshalled taxi rank and a pre-booked PHV area. Sector 1, 2, and 9 taxi drivers can serve the event rank only.

• Other Events: The update also provides details on upcoming events including Nightmares on Wax, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, Boyz II Men, Kaiser Chiefs, Guys & Dolls, Drumsheds, Peter Kay Live, and various sporting events.

Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions

• Whitehall: Closed for a wreath laying event on April 20.
• Central London: TCS Mini London Marathon route closures on April 20 (Horse Guards Road, Birdcage Walk, Spur Road, Constitution Hill).
• Trafalgar Square: Religious event expected on April 20.
• Twickenham Stadium: Women's Six Nations rugby match (England vs. Ireland) on April 20.
• Wembley Stadium: FA Cup Semi Final football matches (Manchester City vs. Chelsea on April 20, Coventry City vs. Manchester United on April 21).
• London Marathon: Extensive road closures across central, south, and southeast London on April 21. Taxi ranks within closed roads will be inaccessible.
• Demonstrations: Marches planned in Westminster and Central London on April 20.

Stay informed! Check the TfL website for the latest traffic updates and disruptions before your journey.

Traffic Updates in London (as of April 21, 2024):

East Croydon Station:

• Road Closure: Billinton Hill will be closed for engineering works until Thursday, April 25th.
• Taxi Rank: Taxis should use the designated rank on Lansdowne Road. This area will also accommodate PHV drop-offs and pick-ups.
• Passenger Assistance: Travel Ambassadors will be stationed at East Croydon station to direct passengers to the Lansdowne Road taxi rank and assist those with accessibility needs.

Ealing Road:

• Traffic Lights: Temporary traffic lights are currently in operation between Ealing Road and its junction with Brentford High Street due to construction projects.
• Expected Delays: Increased traffic congestion is anticipated until the end of July, when the works are expected to be completed.

Travel Tips:

• Allow extra travel time when planning journeys near East Croydon Station and Ealing Road.
• Be aware of potential delays due to road closures and traffic lights.
• Consider alternative routes if possible.
• For real-time traffic updates, visit the Transport for London (TfL) website.

London Taxi Rank Suspensions (as of April 21, 2024)

Please be aware of the following taxi rank suspensions in London:

Current and Upcoming Suspensions:

• Victoria Station (Wilton Road, Rank 6056): Front 45 meters suspended until Thursday, April 18th at 5:00 PM for carriageway utility works. Taxi marshals will be available to assist with rerouting to Terminus Place.
• Walthamstow Central Station (Selborne Road, Rank 4913): Entire rank suspended until Wednesday, April 24th at 6:00 PM for carriageway utility works.
• East Croydon Station (Billinton Hill, Rank 6096): Entire rank suspended due to road closure for engineering works until Thursday, April 25th at 11:59 PM. Drivers are advised to use Lansdowne Road instead.
• Guildable Manor (Rank 5984): Second portion only suspended until Friday, April 26th at 5:00 AM for bridge works.
• Tally Ho PH (Ballards Lane, Rank 6102): Entire rank suspended until Saturday, April 27th for footway and kerb works.
• Courthouse Hotel (Great Marlborough Street, Rank 5500): Entire rank suspended for removal and relocation until Tuesday, April 30th.

Recurrent Suspensions (Please note recurring days/times):

• Eccleston Place (Rank 5788): Second portion suspended every Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM until Monday, August 12th for library roof loading and unloading.
• Porchester Road, Paddington (Rank 5860): Entire rank suspended from Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 AM to Sunday, April 21st at 4:30 PM for a crane operation. (Partial road closure in place)

Long-Term Suspensions:

• Piccadilly (Dilly Hotel, Rank 5687): Entire rank suspended daily until Wednesday, November 6th for building construction works.
• George Yard (Rank 5607): Entire rank suspended on Thursday, April 18th from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM for kerb alignment works.

Additional Upcoming Suspensions:

• Arlington Street (Bennet Street, Rank 4150): Entire rank suspended on Friday, April 19th from 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM for a crane operation.
• Whitehall Court (Rank 5681): Entire rank suspended from Friday, April 19th at 11:00 PM to Saturday, April 20th at 8:00 PM for hotel and street filming.
• Margaret Street (Regent Street, Rank 6203): Entire rank suspended on Saturday, April 20th from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM for carriageway utility works. (Road closure in place)
• St. James's Street (Park Place, Rank 5714): Entire rank suspended from Monday, April 22nd at 10:00 PM to Thursday, April 25th at 5:00 AM for utility chamber access.
• South Wharf Road (Rank 5434): Entire rank suspended on Wednesday, April 24th from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for carriageway resurfacing.

We recommend checking this page for updates before your journey, as taxi rank suspensions can change frequently.