Transport for London News Update 09th March 2023

Weather Update: Cold Weather Precautions

Licensees are advised to take extra care and take regular breaks in light of the forecasted cold weather for the next few days. In addition, it is recommended that regular vehicle checks are carried out, including the battery, fuel and brake fluid, and the use of anti-freeze. Licensees should also check and clean lights and windscreen wipers and properly inflate their tires.

Consultation on Enhancing Safety for Taxi and Private Hire Passengers

Taxis and private hire vehicles are critical in keeping London moving, particularly for disabled and vulnerable individuals. We propose 19 changes to improve safety and safeguarding for all passengers, especially children and vulnerable adults. This includes our proposals for implementing the remaining Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards from the Department for Transport (DfT). We would like to hear your views on how our proposals would affect you and any alternative suggestions you may have. Please visit our consultation website to learn more about our proposals and complete a survey. Your feedback will assist us in determining how taxi and private hire licensing requirements may change. The consultation is open until May 12, 2023.

Online Licensing

Our online licensing process makes applying for and renewing taxi and private hire licenses more accessible and faster. You can complete your full application online, including payment, and track its progress. We recommend renewal applicants submit their applications immediately to avoid delays. Renewal applications for existing drivers are processed according to their license expiry date, ensuring continued licensing whenever feasible. New applications are processed in the order in which we receive them.

Event:

Several events, including Country to Country, Bullet For My Valentine, SIX, the London Symphony Orchestra, and TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, are taking place in the coming days. Due to these events, there may be a heightened demand for taxi and private hire services in these areas.

Road Updates

Several road updates are in place, including overnight lane restrictions on A205 Kew Bridge Road until March 18, weekend lane restrictions and banned turns on A40 Western Avenue until March 13, and 24/7 lane restrictions and speed restrictions on A40 Western Avenue until April 30. Lane closures are also in effect on the Wandsworth roundabout until April 1 and A4 Great West Road until May 2023. There will also be lane closures on Euston Road between North Gower Street and Eversholt Street until mid-June. To learn more about these restrictions and closures, please check before travelling and allow extra time for your journey.

Rank Suspensions

The following ranks will be out of service

5203 Great Cumberland Place/Bryanston Street until 17:30 on Sunday, March 12,

4978 Regent Street/St. James’s from 11:00 until 16:00 on Sunday, March 12, 5715 Piccadilly (Fortnum and Masons) from 11:00 until 16:00 on Sunday, March 12, and

5687 Piccadilly (Dilly Hotel) from 11:00 until 16:00 on Sunday, March 12. The suspension is due to road closures associated with the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Please note that taxis are only to use the Bryanston Street feeder rank for the first portion at 5203 Great Cumberland Place/Bryanston Street.

Euston Road between North Gower Street and Eversholt Street will be suspended until mid-April, and further lane closures are expected from mid-June which will continue for several years. Travellers are advised to plan, leave more time for their journey, and visit the transport authority's travel advice page for more information.

Rank suspensions are also in effect at several locations due to road closures or maintenance works. Taxis are advised to use alternative feeder ranks during the suspension period. For example, the rank at 5203

Great Cumberland Place/Bryanston Street will be out of service until 17:30 on Sunday, 12 March, with only the first portion being suspended for carriageway utility works, and taxis are advised to use the Bryanston Street feeder rank.

The ranks at 4978 Regent Street/St. James’s, 5715 Piccadilly (Fortnum and Masons), and 5687 Piccadilly (Dilly Hotel) will also be suspended during the St. Patrick's Day Parade road closures on Sunday, 12 March.

In terms of events, several concerts, plays, and other performances are scheduled in London in the coming days, including Country to Country at The O2 on Friday, 10 March, Bullet For My Valentine at Roundhouse on Saturday, 11 March, SIX at Vaudeville Theatre on Saturday 11 March, London Symphony Orchestra at Barbican Centre on Sunday 12 March, and TINA - The Tina Turner Musical at Aldwych Theatre on Sunday 12 March. Licensees are advised that there may be increased demand for taxi and private hire services in these areas during these events.

Finally, the licensing authority reminds drivers that their online licensing process makes applying for and renewing taxi and private hire licenses quicker and easier. Customers can submit their full application online, including payment, and track its progress. Renewal applicants are advised to complete an application as soon as possible to avoid delays. Existing drivers' renewal applications are processed in order of their license expiry date, and new applications are processed in order of the date the licensing authority receives the application.