Week 2 TFL Update for Taxi and Private Hire Drivers: March 2024

DBS Update Service

Reference: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/driver-news-and-updates

A notice has been released by Transport for London. The notice confirms that any new applications or renewals for taxi and private hire driver licenses will now, as of the present time, require registration with the DBS Update Service. (recommended by TFL).

• Within 30 days of receiving their DBS certificate.

Missing the registration window will result in the need to apply for and pay for a new enhanced DBS check. For more information and a video explanation, drivers can visit the TFL website or refer to TPH Notice 07/23. This is a mandatory requirement, and licenses will not be issued without evidence of DBS Update Service registration.

Equality Act

The Transport for London is informing all taxi and private hire drivers and operators about their obligations under the Equality Act. This regulation mandates that drivers must accept and help disabled passengers with appropriate mobility needs, such as assisting them without any extra charge, and carrying mobility aids without any extra charge compared to non-disabled passengers.

Driving Safety

TFL advises all motorists to make safety their top priority while driving. Prepare for your trips well in advance to avoid delays in your itinerary.

Events and Increased Demand

TFL anticipates increased demand for taxi and private hire services due to several upcoming events in London:

• Mountbatten Festival of Music (March 8-9, Royal Albert Hall)
• C2C: Country to Country (March 8-10, The O2 Arena)
• Drumsheds Festival (March 9, Tottenham Hale)
• Six Nations - England V Ireland (March 9, Twickenham Stadium)

For a complete list of events and details on specific locations with marshalled taxi ranks and pre-booked PHV areas, drivers can refer to the full TFL update.

Demonstrations

Large crowds are expected due to demonstrations planned in central London and Richmond Terrace on Saturday, March 9. TFL advises drivers to be aware of potential delays and adjust their routes accordingly.

Road Closures

Several road closures will be in effect from March 8 to March 11. These include:

• A4, West Cromwell Road (eastbound closure)
• Coventry Street (closure between Haymarket and Whitcomb Street)
• Tothill Street (closure between Story's Gate and Matthew Parker Street)
• Farringdon area (major utility gas works)
• Praed Street (narrowed to a single lane)

Drivers are advised to check the full TFL update for detailed information on each road closure, including affected times and alternative routes.

Taxi rank suspensions listed in the TFL update:

• 5773 Grosvenor Gardens/Hobart Place: 

Suspended until Friday, March 8 at 5:00 PM. Second portion on Grosvenor Gardens is suspended for street lighting works.

• 5518 Royal Albert Hall: 

Suspended until Friday, March 8. Whole rank is suspended for phase two of the public realm scheme. On completion of this phase of works, the taxi rank will relocate to its new position.

• Canary Wharf (Upper Bank Street):

Suspended until Friday, March 8. Upper Bank Street outside Waitrose & Canada Square park taxi rank in the central reservation is suspended for the removal of the Canary Wharf ice rink.

• 6216 St. George Street (Hanover Square): 

Suspended until Saturday, March 9 at 5:00 PM. 25 meters only opposite 16 George Street is suspended for traffic management during carriageway utility works.

• 5647 Berkeley Street (Nobu): 

Suspended from Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Whole rank to be suspended for a crane operation, subject to weather conditions.

• 5468 Wardour Street (Humus Bros):

Suspended until Saturday, March 9 at 6:00 PM. Whole rank is suspended for footway and kerb maintenance.

• 5823 Harewood Avenue: 

Suspended from Sunday, March 10 at 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Second portion/center of the road to be suspended for emergency carriageway works instructed by Westminster. There is a lane closure.

• 5605 High Street, Uxbridge: 

Suspended from Monday, March 11 at 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 20 meters only to be suspended for a crane operation.

• 6172 Townmead Road:Suspended from Monday, March 11 at 7:00 AM until Wednesday, March 20 at 5:00 PM. Whole rank to be suspended for carriageway utility works.
• 5988 Margravine Gardens (Barons Court station): 

Suspended from Monday, March 11 at 10:00 AM until Tuesday, March 12 at 5:00 PM. The whole rank to be suspended for a crane operation.

• 5868 Berkeley Square (40 Berkeley Square): 

Suspended from Monday, March 11 at 7:00 AM until Friday, April 12 at 6:00 PM. Whole rank to be suspended for major carriageway utility works. There will be lane closures and partial road closures in phases during these works.

• 5948 Guildable Manor:

Suspended until Friday, March 29 at 5:00 AM. Second portion only is suspended to facilitate works compound for bridge works.

• 5788 Eccleston Place:

Suspended until Monday, August 12. Second portion only is suspended from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday only for loading and unloading for works to the library roof.