Lesson 3~ Reading Paragraph 21 to 32

21. All licensees should consider whether it would be appropriate to carry e-scooters or e-unicycles and be aware that they are not compelled to transport them. Drivers have the right to refuse carriage of anything that may pose a risk to their safety and the safety of the travelling public, and this includes e-scooters and e-unicycles. We encourage PHV operators to consider whether they wish to carry e-scooters and e-unicycles and to make passengers aware, during the booking process, that these items may be refused carriage in licensed PHVs. (Choose correct one)

22. The case concerned the Supreme Court’s judgment of 19 February 2021 in Uber BV v. Aslam and the Divisional Court has now confirmed that: “…..in order to operate lawfully under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 a licensed operator who accepts a booking from a passenger is required to enter as principal into a contractual obligation with the passenger to provide the journey which is the subject of the booking.” (Choose correct one)

23. Keeping children and vulnerable adults safe from harm and abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Taxi and private hire licensees, particularly licensed drivers, and individuals working for private hire operators and taxi booking platforms are in a unique position to identify and help take steps to prevent the abuse, exploitation or neglect of children and vulnerable adults. (Choose correct one)

24. Private hire operators are reminded that they are required to notify TfL of any material changes to their operating models that may affect their compliance with the statutory and regulatory framework governing private hire services in London. The Supreme Court judgment includes commentary regarding the contractual relationship between operators and drivers as set out in their terms and conditions to which private hire operators should give due consideration. (Choose correct one)

25. The Government has also produced guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus, which is regularly updated with advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak. We encourage all licensees to familiarise themselves with these resources and to seek support where needed. (Choose correct one)

26. The ‘relevant vocational qualification’ concession was introduced so that experienced drivers who could demonstrate that their experience of working as a PHV driver had been formally assessed, did not have to take a topographical skills assessment. This was particularly relevant when the topographical skills assessments were introduced in 2006, as PHV licensing was new in London and many drivers already working in the industry had obtained qualifications through on-the-job assessments. (Choose correct one)

27. From 8 April 2019, PHVs will no longer be exempt from paying the Congestion Charge when driving in central London during charging hours (Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm). PHVs that are designated as wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) will retain the exemption, but only when carrying out a private hire booking for a TfL-licensed PHV operator. (Choose correct one)

28. The first phase will mean only certain zero-emission capable vehicles are exempt from the Congestion Charge. To qualify a PHV must be Euro 6, emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum zero emission capable range of 20 miles. The restrictions will tighten in October 2021, to support the Mayor’s ambition for zero-emission road transport by 2050, with only pure electric vehicles qualifying for the discount. The discount will be withdrawn in December 2025. (Choose correct one)

29. On 25 May 2018, Transport for London (TfL) issued TPH Notice 03/18, which confirmed that London private hire vehicle (PHV) operators are required to make someone available for passengers to speak to during their hours of business and at all times during a journey (known as the Voice Contact Requirement). Private hire operators must comply with the Voice Contact Requirement by no later than 1 October 2018. (Choose correct one)

30. Uber London Limited remains a licensed private hire operator until its licence expires on 30 September. The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 includes provision to appeal a licensing decision within 21 days of it being communicated to the applicant. Uber London Limited can continue to operate until any appeal processes have been exhausted, and licenced drivers can continue to drive for them as they can for any other licensed private hire operator. (Choose correct one)

31. Regulation 9(11) of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) (Operators’ Licences) Regulations 2000 provides that: “At all times during the operator’s hours of business and at all times during a journey, the operator shall ensure that the passenger for whom the booking was made is able to speak to someone at the operating centre if they want to make a complaint or discuss any other matter about the carrying out of the booking.” (Choose correct one)

32. It is essential for public safety that all licensed PHV drivers are able to communicate in English at an appropriate level. In 2020, the Department for Transport (DfT) published its Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards which recommended that all licensing authorities should consider whether an applicant for a licence is able to communicate in English orally and in writing with customers. (Choose correct one)