Transport for London News Week 2 July 2023

NEWS UPDATE: SUMMER EDITION OF ONROUTE MAGAZINE

We are excited to announce the release of the latest summer edition of OnRoute magazine. This edition celebrates a significant milestone as it marks 200 years since taxis were licensed in London. The magazine is packed with useful information, advice, and guidance for readers. It covers various topics, including the security benefits of having closed-circuit television (CCTV) installed in your vehicle and tips for taking care of your health and well-being.

CHANGES TO TPH DRIVER POLICY

We would like to inform you about some minor amendments we have made to our TPH Driver Policy. These changes aim to provide clarity and reflect recent developments. The updates include:

Reflecting last year's changes to the transitional provisions for the English language and SERU requirements for PHV drivers.

Revising the policy regarding those who fail the Topographical, ELR, or SERU assessment.

Including more serious offences of harassment and stalking in convictions guidance.

Reducing the period before re-licensing will be considered after a 'totting' disqualification from 12 months to 6 months after the end of the disqualification period.

Introducing a revised policy on drivers disqualified for 28 days or less. The license will be suspended, but not returned to TfL, for the period of the disqualification.

Providing new guidance on breaches of court orders.

Updating the policy to reflect the mandatory use of NR3S and other requirements in the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.

Incorporating additional offences in the Equality Act 2010 as created by the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022.

Offering revised guidance to provide clarification on re-licensing drivers pending the outcome of their DBS check and when drivers can work after the expiry of their license.

For a detailed overview of these changes, please refer to pages 2 and 3 of the updated policy.

WIMBLEDON TENNIS

The Wimbledon Tennis Championships are currently underway and will continue until Sunday, July 16th. The event allows a maximum spectator capacity of 42,000 people each day. Taxi and PHV services play a vital role in helping spectators access the Championships. We strongly encourage all licensees to meet the demand from passengers traveling to and returning from the Championships.

Please refer to our TPH Notice, which contains important information for all licensed taxi and PHV drivers, as well as private hire operators planning to serve the Championships.

UPCOMING EVENTS

In addition to Wimbledon, several other events are taking place in London. Here are some notable events:

Bastille - Friday, July 14th, at Alexandra Palace.

Regina Spektor - Saturday, July 15th, at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank.

Tim Vine - Saturday, July 15th, at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Mareux - Saturday, July 15th, at O2 Academy Islington.

Frozen the Musical - Saturday, July 15th, at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Sunday, July 16th, at the Palace Theatre.

Somerset House Summer Series: Gabzy - Sunday, July 16th, at Somerset House.

Jack Whitehall - Sunday, July 16th, at The O2, Peninsula Square.

Due to these events, there may be increased demand for taxi and private hire services in the respective areas. Be prepared for potential high volumes of passengers.

ROAD UPDATES

To ensure smooth travel, we would like to inform you about several road updates in London:

A4 Great West Road - From Monday, July 17th, until December 2023, there will be lane restrictions between Boston Manor Road and Lionel Road North. Overnight road closures will also occur in July between 22:00 and 05:00 due to National Highways work on the M4 Chiswick Flyover. For more information, please visit the National Highways website.

Wandsworth Bridge Closure - From Monday, July 24th, until the end of September, Wandsworth Bridge will be closed to all motorized traffic. The closure is necessary for essential safety repairs by the London Borough of Wandsworth. Expect increased traffic on local roads and nearby river crossings. Plan your journey in advance and consider alternative routes. Visit our travel advice page for assistance with planning your route.

Piccadilly Southbound Closure - On Sundays, July 16th, 23rd, and 30th, from 08:00 to 17:00, there will be road closures between Old Park Lane and Down Street for a crane operation.

Piccadilly Underpass - Until Monday, December 18th, there will be closures on the Piccadilly underpass for tunnel improvement works.

Penge Road, Bromley - Until 23:00 on Thursday, August 31st, three-way temporary signals will be in place on Penge Road at the junction of Kings Road in both directions due to Network Rail bridge works.

Stay informed about these road updates to ensure smooth and efficient travel throughout London.

RANK SUSPENSIONS NOTICE

Please be advised of the following rank suspensions:

5651 Berkely Square (South Side): This rank will be suspended until Monday, October 7, 2024. The entire rank will be unavailable due to construction works for the redevelopment of Lansdowne House.

6005 Berkely Street (Novikov): This rank will be suspended until tomorrow, Friday, July 14. The whole rank will be out of service for carriageway utility works. A temporary rank has been set up in the parking bays on Mayfair Place.

TR001 Veer Street: From 06:00 on Saturday, July 15, until 23:00 on Sunday, July 16. The entire rank will be suspended due to a crane operation. Please note that a road closure is in place.

5666 Harrington Road (South Kensington station): From 07:00 on Monday, July 17, until 18:00 on Friday, July 21. Only the 2nd and 3rd portions of the rank will be suspended for carriageway utility works. The 1st portion of the rank will be unaffected.

6056 Vauxhall Bridge Road (Feeder rank for Victoria station): From Monday, July 17, until Friday, August 18. Only the rear 25 meters of the rank will be suspended to facilitate traffic management for a safety scheme.

5993 Whitehall Place: From 07:00 on Monday, July 17, until 17:00 on Wednesday, July 19. The entire rank will be suspended for carriageway utility works.

5681 Whitehall Court: From 07:00 on Monday, July 17, until 17:00 on Wednesday, July 19. The entire rank will be suspended for carriageway utility works.

4884 Matthew Parker Street: From 07:00 on Tuesday, July 18, until 17:00 on Thursday, July 20. The entire rank will be suspended for carriageway utility works.

5565 Duke Street (Selfridges): From 22:00 on Thursday, July 20, until 05:00 on Friday, July 21. The whole rank will be suspended for a night crane operation.

5139 Oxford Street (Selfridges): From 22:00 on Thursday, July 20, until 05:00 on Friday, July 21. The entire rank will be suspended for a night crane operation.

Please plan your routes accordingly and make alternative arrangements during these rank suspensions. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation.