Transport for London News Updates August 2024

Blackwall Tunnel Closure

 TfL has announced that the Blackwall Tunnel will be closed to southbound traffic during the following times:

• 23:00 on Saturday 21 to 05:00 on Monday 23 September
• 23:00 on Friday 11 to 05:00 on Saturday 12 October
• 23:00 on Friday 18 to 05:00 on Saturday 19 October

These closures are due to ongoing works to complete a new road layout as part of the Silvertown Tunnel construction. During these periods, the tunnel will remain open to northbound traffic.

On Sunday 22 September, roads and alternative river crossings in east and central London are expected to be busier than usual. Drivers are advised to consider using crossings outside of central London, especially larger vehicles, as some crossings have restrictions. The Congestion Charging zone will operate as normal. For further details, visit the Blackwall Tunnel webpage.

Licensing Requirements Changed on 1 July In response to the Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and PHV Standards, TfL has implemented changes aimed at enhancing passenger safety. These updates are detailed in TPH Notice 05/24. To help drivers, vehicle owners, and operators understand the changes, TfL has published the following guidance on their website:

• Taxi and Private Hire Drivers:

  • Certificates of Good Conduct guidance
  • Notification of police involvement guidance
  • DBS Update Service guidance

• Private Hire Operators:

  • PHV Operator register and booking records guidance
  • PHV Operator DBS checks guidance
  • Notification of police involvement guidance
  • Certificates of Good Conduct guidance

To support drivers with the SERU assessment, TfL has also made audio files of the PHV Driver's Handbook available on their website, arranged by chapter. Additional resources, such as an online assessment guide, are available to help drivers understand the format and expectations of the assessment.

Fast-Track Licence Applications Warning Applicants for a private hire driver’s licence are reminded that they will only ever be required to pay the standard application fee. TfL does not offer a fast-track service and will never charge more than the advertised costs. If approached by third parties offering a fast-track service at additional costs, it is fraudulent, and incidents should be reported to TfL at tphreport@tfl.gov.uk.

Upcoming Events Several upcoming events across London are expected to cause increased traffic and large crowds:

• Moby - Thursday 19 September, O2 Arena
• Chappell Roan - Thursday 19 September, O2 Academy Brixton
• Asake - Saturday 21 September, O2 Arena
• An Inspector Calls - Until Saturday 21 September, Alexandra Palace
• Beethoven’s Ninth - Saturday 21 September, Royal Albert Hall
• Aventura - Sunday 22 September, O2 Arena
• Beverley Knight - Monday 23 September, Royal Albert Hall

Additional events include boxing weigh-ins, charity walks, and music festivals across London, causing road closures and increased traffic. Key areas affected include central London, Bermondsey, St James's Park, Wembley Stadium, and Hackney. Plan ahead for potential delays.

Demonstrations and Protests Several demonstrations and protests are scheduled, which will impact traffic in areas like Islington and central London. Key demonstrations include:

• Thursday 19 September - Islington Town Hall
• Friday 20 September - Central London
• Saturday 21 September - March from Parliament Square to Downing Street

Expect road closures and delays in these areas.

Rank Suspensions The following taxi ranks will be temporarily suspended for various reasons including traffic management and utility works:

• Hanover Square (Southern Arm) - From 19:00 on Thursday 19 September to 05:00 the following morning
• Romford Road (Bow County Court) - From 07:00 to 18:00 on Saturday 21 September
• High Street (Rose Theatre), Kingston-upon-Thames - From 07:00 on Saturday 21 September to 17:00 on Monday 23 September
• Park Lane/Hamilton Place (Hilton Hotel) - From 07:00 to 18:00 on Monday 23 September
• Victoria Station (Wilton Road) - From Monday 23 September to Friday 4 October, 07:00 to 16:00 daily
• Cranbourne Street (Leicester Square) - From Monday 23 September until February 2025, from 06:00 to 11:00 on weekdays
• Argyll Street - From 15:00 to 21:00 on Wednesday 25 September for a red carpet event
• New Bond Street (Oxford Street) - Until 27 September
• Blackburn Road (O2 Centre) - Until 8 October
• Finsbury Pavement - Until 22 November
• Piccadilly (Dilly Hotel) - Until 20 December, with limited hours daily
• High Street, New Malden - Until 24 December, between 09:00 and 15:00
• Charing Cross Road - Until 10 January 2025
• Lewis Grove/Albion Way - Until March 2025

Please check TfL’s website for more detailed information on road updates and planned closures.