Transport for London (TfL) have launched a public consultation following their proposals to tighten private taxi hire regulations in the capital.
The proposals, including English speaking and map reading tests, would be an end to app-based taxi services such as Uber, the firm says.
Proposed rules planned to be implemented detail that drivers are required to pass an English language test and stricter insurance policies must be in place.
The rules also outline that private taxi hire firms must have a fixed landline, provide a specified fare prior to a booking and there will reportedly be a mandatory five-minute minimum wait time for customers.
Private taxi hire app Uber have launched a petition against the proposed rules by TfL, stating that it would “mean an end to the Uber you know and love today”.
The petition says: “These rules make no sense. We understand that Black Cab drivers are feeling the pressure from services like Uber.
“But the answer is to level the playing field by reducing today’s burdensome black cab regulations, not to introduce rules that will be bad for riders, drivers and London.”
The petition has so far been signed by over 110,000 people.
In a letter to Mayor of London Boris Johnson, various Westminster City Councillors have also written to share that they support the views of Uber in relation to the proposed new rules.
“We are worried by TfL's proposed regulations on Uber. Red tape will hit Londoners who want to get a taxi without paying the higher prices that black cab regulation generates” the letter says.
“There is no benefit to forcing Uber customers to wait five minutes before a car can turn up, to banning them sharing their fares with other passengers, or to preventing customers knowing how many cars are available.”
'The private hire industry has grown exponentially'
This is TfL's second consultation and regards the proposed new rules on private hire taxi firms.
Following the initial consultation, which saw 4,000 responses, a number of suggestions were drafted into new proposals to help TfL manage the private hire taxi trade in the capital.
According to the consultation, these include proposals to improve driver skills, including English language capabilities and stricter requirements for insurance, as well as proposals around the way private hire operators can accept bookings and changes to how bookings are recorded.
In addition, a tough topographic exam to test driver navigational skills will also be introduced.
Garrett Emmerson, TfL's chief operating officer for surface transport, said: “We are launching a public consultation in order to inform and improve the regulations that govern the Capital's private hire trade.
“In recent years the private hire industry has grown exponentially and technology has also developed rapidly.
“The consultation sets out a number of ways that standards across the industry could be raised, ensuring Londoners can continue to benefit from the service provided by licensed private hire vehicles.
“No final decisions have been made and we're keen to hear a range of views from the trade and from Londoners too.”
According to TfL, the consultation will run for 12 weeks and close on December 23.
RMT union have welcomed the planned proposals as they would “provide a distinction between both Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) and taxis within the virtual booking/hailing model”.
General secretary Mick Cash said: “This is a step in the right direction towards tightening up controls on the PHV sector and apps like Uber but the union recognises we need to continue to fight for full implementation and a rigorous system of monitoring and control to make this work.
“RMT’s battle to defend the future of the licensed taxi trade in London and across the rest of the country carries on.”
