ROUND THE COUNCILS TfL:
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACT CONDUCT
Transport for London (TfL) has issued a formal warning to all licensed taxi and PHV drivers, reminding them that their conduct on social media, as well as in-person interactions with TfL staff, could result in licence revocation. The notice comes in response to a rise in concerns over inappropriate online behaviour. TfL’s warning emphasises that while drivers are entitled to free speech, using social media for harassment, bullying, or making offensive remarks toward passengers, other drivers, TfL staff, or the public can lead to a review of their licence. This includes comments that target individuals based on “protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.” The regulatory body also highlighted the serious safety risks and potential criminal offences associated with “live streaming or vlogging while driving.” Misconduct can result in a range of actions, including a written warning, a temporary licence suspension, or a full revocation. The final decision is based on the specific circumstances of each case. An FoI request for the year ending May 31, 2022, revealed that TfL revoked 2,178 private hire driver licences, though social media misconduct was not listed as a specific category. The most common reasons for revocation during that period included: Medical reasons (over 1,100 cases) Dishonesty (407 cases) Misconduct and abuse towards passengers (32 cases) TfL’s notice indicates that social media abuse will likely be considered under the broader “behavioural” or “complaints” categories when assessing a driver’s fitness to hold a licence.
HARTLEPOOL: LICENSING POLICY CHANGES APPROVED
Hartlepool council chiefs have given their unanimous approval to a new taxi licensing policy, introducing significant changes to the borough’s
hackney
carriage and private hire rules. The move comes after a consultation with drivers and residents, despite some drivers appealing for more time to prepare. A key change is the removal of all vehicle age limits, a shift from the previous requirement that vehicles be
PHTM SEPTEMBER 2025
under five years old. Additionally, all licensed vehicles must be Euro 6 compliant by September 1, 2025. This deadline was extended from an initial April 1 date, with an additional year granted for WAVs. The council’s decision was made despite calls from some drivers for another extension. A December petition and several cabbies at the meeting raised concerns about the costs of upgrading vehicles and the impact of Uber’s recent licensing in the area. However, council officers stated that the Euro 6 standard was first introduced into council policy in 2019 but was delayed due to Covid. They argued this provided “the trade with six years to financially plan and implement the changes which the majority of vehicle owners have achieved.” Councillor Carole Thompson echoed this sentiment, stating the council had “put this off on several occasions” and that drivers have “had sufficient time to renew vehicles.” Of the 219 licensed taxis in Hartlepool, only 29 are not yet Euro 6 compliant. Other policy updates include new rules on insurance write-offs and a requirement for new drivers to pass a council-approved driving assessment upon application, rather than within their first year.
STIRLING: VEHICLE & DRIVER POLICY CONSULTATION
Stirling residents, and the local taxi trade, are being asked for their views on a new Taxi/PHV and Driver Policy. The policy will ensure minimum operating standards of taxi/PHVs and drivers in the interests of public safety and quality of service. Proposed changes to the policy include: l Requirements of age and colour of taxi and PHVs l Requirements relating to CCTV/dashcam equipment l Medical fitness standards for taxi and PHV drivers l Certification requirements for taxi drivers l Requirement of foreign conviction checks for taxi and PHV drivers.
The Council’s Planning and Regulation Panel approved the consultation to update the policy on 20 May. Cllr Neil Benny, Chair of the Council’s Planning and Regulation Panel, said: “We will engage constructively with Stirling’s taxi trade to help us shape this new policy in addition to the wider public.” The consultation is open until 24 September and can be completed here:
https://shorturl.at/k5j6C
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