Private hire cab drivers have a big role to play in London’s bustling tourism industry. A big part of that is making foreign tourists feel safe and well-guided in their tours and journeys across town.
Safety and security have become official parameters in TfL’s new Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle policy, prompted by the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy (MTS), in pursuit of the Vision Zero approach.
As the only fast-track PCO licence centre in east London, we are one of the most dependable mediators between PCO drivers and the TfL, bridging the gaps in compliance and confidence. This blog features the key points that put PCO drivers at the forefront of making London’s tourism industries safer and more welcoming for tourists visiting from different parts of the world.
How the TfL is Preparing PHV Drivers
For a cosmopolitan city like London, which is visited by millions of tourists and foreign visitors for education, healthcare, or business purposes, language, friendliness, and a well-maintained vehicle are the mainstays of ensuring a safer journey and optimal satisfaction for travellers.
The training and policies upgraded by the TfL align the key skills of drivers.
Key changes have been facilitated for granting a PCO driver’s license in London for PHV drivers as well as operators and owners. Adding to the driver background checks, vehicle safety standards, and modernisation goals of London’s taxi services, now the SERU training course is implemented to redefine the key aspects of safety, equality, and regularity. Moreover, the wider adoption of zero-emission vehicles reflects broader efforts to improve sustainability in the PHV and tourism industries in London. The parameters are as follows:
- Road safety: meeting vehicle standards, ensuring defensive driving, safe use of mobiles on the road, maintaining mental stability at work, and communicating safety regulations to passengers are crucial for PCO drivers to maintain.
- Knowledge of local roads: Not to be confused with the “Knowledge of London” test which is mandatory, only for “Black cab drivers” in London. PHV and Uber drivers need to pass the topographical test and TfL English (now SERU) test to get their PCO driver’s license in London.
- Fit and Proper Person Test: While this test is addressed towards taxi drivers, the TfL has a similar approach for PCO licence applicants, often characterised in sync with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, to ensure the character and behaviour of the driver is fit and proper to offer a safe and sound customer experience.
- Medial Check: This includes both the driving mobility assessment test for disabled drivers and the regular TPH medical test, which includes physical, mental, and eye tests to ensure you are fit to drive and work as a full-time taxi driver.
- Vehicle standards: The PCO vehicles have to undergo obligatory tests for strict adherence to all safety regulations. This reduces tourist anxieties because they are assured to be riding in a safe and functional vehicle.
- Wheelchair and disability accessibility: New guidelines have been introduced by the TfL on private hire vehicles being wheelchair accessible. All taxis and private vehicles holding a PCO license are placed on the list. You can enquire at our PCO license centre in East London to know the status of your vehicle.
- Customer service: The ability to assist passengers on a personal level, especially foreign visitors, has a big significance for mini-cab and Uber drivers in London. Navigation, traffic updates, emergency response, and ensuring punctuality are some of the core responsibilities of drivers to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
PCO Licence Centre In East London – Empowering PCO Drivers with Fast-Track Licensing Solutions
A safe and reliable transportation network can encourage visitors to see more of what London has to offer. Tourists who feel secure are more likely to venture into different neighbourhoods, dine at local restaurants, and visit attractions, thus boosting local businesses. This mutually beneficial relationship between PCO drivers and the tourism industry is what gives life to the city’s economic health. The role of PCO drivers in the safety of tourists while in London is, therefore, paramount.