The UK government’s 2024 Devolution White Paper introduces significant changes for local authorities and communities, focusing on enhanced powers for regional mayors. While it promises to address cross-border working, the paper leans more towards restructuring local governance, potentially erasing traditional council boundaries in favor of regional zones, much like Uber's model. This could affect everything from planning to transport, including taxi and private hire regulations, which are now under review for possible standardization across larger regions. While the White Paper acknowledges concerns about out-of-area working, its approach may worsen existing issues, particularly in rural areas.
For a deeper dive, read the full article here.
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to All from SHPHA!
Why not take a moment to read the digital November 2024 issue of Private Hire & Taxi Monthly? This trusted publication covers the latest news, insights, and developments in the private hire and taxi industry.
The SHPHA proudly supports Private Hire & Taxi Monthly, valuing their expertise and updates on industry trends. Definitely worth a read for anyone interested in staying informed!
Check out the latest issue here.
A big thank you to Liza Lipson from Private Hire Taxi Magazine (PHTM) for allowing us to feature a highlight from their September issue, and to iCars (Swale) Ltd in Kent for their support. In this edition, PHTM covers an important article titled "Concern for Public Welfare Following Policies to Remove Signage on PHVs Countrywide." The issue raises vital questions about the impact of these policies. Stay tuned for the October issue, where PHTM will share the Department for Transport's response to these concerns.
There is a proposal to get a new TRO aiming to enable non-Southampton trade to use bus lanes for the purposes of home to school transport at any time. It will be advertised for three weeks and unless there is major number of objections, the aim is to go live on 2nd of September. Please share and take part in the consultation.
Current Bus Lane Restrictions:
Taxis and private hire vehicles licensed with Southampton City Council have unlimited access to the City’s bus lanes.
All taxis and private hire vehicles not licensed with Southampton City Council are only be allowed access to Southampton bus lanes during peak times. Vehicles must also have been first registered on or after January 2006 if petrol, or September 2015 if diesel, to access bus lanes at these peak hours, or undertaking home to school transport on behalf of Southampton City Council. (Term time only, Monday to Friday). These registration dates reflect the introduction of cleaner euro emission standards. Peak times are weekdays between 07:00 - 09:30 and 16:00 - 18:30.
Proposal:
It is proposed to allow vehicles not licensed by Southampton City Council that are undertaking home to school transport on behalf of Southampton City Council to access the bus lanes at all times, during term time and Monday to Fridays only. These vehicles will have had to be individually assigned a particular home to school transport run by Southampton City Council. This is to enable equality for the school transport service when offering contracts.
For all other vehicles not undertaking contracts for home to school transport on behalf of Southampton City Council, then the existing requirements stand:
Vehicles must be first registered on or after January 2006 if petrol, or September 2015 if diesel, to access bus lanes at these peak hours. Peak times are weekdays between 07:00 - 09:30 and 16:00 - 18:30.
Please take part in the consultation here:
transport.southampton.gov.uk/tro-consultations/moving-traffic-restrictions-amendment-2-order-2024/
Do you know the law in relation to assistance dogs?
Taxis and the door-to-door service they provide are an important mode of transport for people with disabilities. It is important that disabled people who use guide and other assistance dogs have confidence that they can hire a taxi, which will carry them and their dog at no extra charge.
Legal obligations
Since 2001, drivers of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles have a duty to carry any guide or other assistance dog travelling with a disabled person, at no additional cost.
In 2006, further duties were introduced to make it unlawful for taxi providers to refuse, or offer a lower standard of service to a disabled person, for a reason relating to their disability. For example, a taxi operator making a guide or other assistance dog owner wait longer for a vehicle than a passenger without a disability, because some drivers prefer not to carry an assistance dog.
The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 amends the Equality Act 2010 to place duties on taxi and PHV drivers/operators. Any disabled person has specific rights and protections to be transported and receive assistance when using a taxi or PHV, without being charged extra. This requires drivers to provide reasonable adjustments for passengers with a disability. For more information on providing reasonable adjustments for customers with sight loss, please visit this link.
Breaches of these duties can be reported to local licensing authorities, who can take appropriate action.
Cultural beliefs
Cultural beliefs can raise sensitive issues relating to dogs. However, religious grounds cannot be used to exclude assistance dog owners. The Equality and Human Rights Commission successfully reached agreement on this with several religious groups. Assistance dogs are working animals, not pets. They are trained to provide independence and mobility to their owners. Assistance dog owners are trained to maintain a high grooming standard of their dog, with attention to cleanliness.
Exemptions
The only grounds for any driver to decline to carry an assistance dog is through the approved medical exemption process. Drivers cannot refuse to take a person travelling with their assistance dog, unless they have a valid medical exemption certificate from the appropriate licensing authority, to show that they are unable to carry an assistance dog for health reasons. An exemption notice must be displayed in the vehicle when it is being driven by the exempted driver.
Useful Resources
Please visit the following links for more information:
Supporting customers with sight loss
Sighted guide training
The law: carrying assistance dogs by taxi/PHV
EHRC guide to welcoming customers with assistance dogs
In the dynamic world of taxi and private hire services, staying informed and connected is crucial for success. Whether you're a seasoned driver, a company owner, or a regulatory authority, keeping abreast of industry developments and best practices is key. Here are some invaluable resources that provide insights, guidance, and support for professionals in the taxi and private hire trade:
PHTM - Private Hire Trade Monthly MagazineWebsite:
PHTM.co.ukPHTM is a leading publication dedicated to the taxi and private hire industry. Offering a comprehensive blend of news, analysis, and features, this magazine is a go-to source for staying updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and business strategies. From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to practical tips for improving service quality, PHTM covers a wide range of topics relevant to professionals in the field.
IOL - Institute of LicensingDocument:
Guidance on Suitability (PDF)The Institute of Licensing (IOL) provides invaluable guidance on determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney carriage and private hire trades. This comprehensive document offers insights into the criteria and considerations involved in assessing individuals' fitness for operating in the industry. Covering areas such as background checks, character assessments, and legal requirements, the guidance serves as a valuable resource for licensing authorities and industry professionals alike.
UTAG - United Trade Action GroupWebsite:
UTAG.londonUTAG is a collective voice representing the interests of taxi and private hire drivers in London. Committed to advocating for fair regulations, transparency, and driver rights, UTAG plays a crucial role in shaping policy discussions and defending the interests of its members. Through its website, UTAG provides updates on advocacy efforts, legal proceedings, and industry developments, empowering drivers to stay informed and engaged in matters that affect their livelihoods.
By leveraging these resources, taxi and private hire professionals can enhance their knowledge, navigate regulatory challenges, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the industry. Whether it's staying informed through industry publications, accessing guidance on licensing procedures, or engaging in advocacy efforts through collective action groups, these resources play a vital role in fostering a thriving and resilient taxi and private hire ecosystem.
All licensed drivers are regulated and CRB checked (now known as DBS) by Southampton City Council, with the majority also holding NVQ and BTEC qualifications in transporting passengers by taxi or private hire's.
For your security, nearly all Southampton Hackney Carriages and private hire's have CCTV cameras installed. All vehicles are MOT checked every year (compliance test) to ensure they are roadworthy. If a vehicle is more than 2 years old it also has to have an additional roadworthy test.
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to All from SHPHA!
If you click onto this link, it will take you to the Department for Transports Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Best Practice Guidance from the 17th November 2023.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/taxi-and-private-hire-vehicle-best-practice-guidance/outcome/taxi-and-private-hire-vehicle-best-practice-guidance-government-response
What is interesting about the Government's response, is the subject of vehicle age limits.
Licensing authorities should not impose age limits for the licensing of vehicles but should consider more targeted requirements to meet its policy objectives on omissions.
We as a trade association are trying to get an extension on age limits for Southampton licensed vehicles.
