TfL Ref: FOI-0845-1718

Thank you for your email received on 9 July 2017 asking for information about private hire vehicles (PHVs).

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our Information Access Policy. You asked:

Please can you inform me:

(1)  how many companies & individuals (as holders of a PHV licence) are TFL TPH aware of as renting/hiring licensed PHVs to non licensed PH drivers (i.e. general public)

(2) how many of these companies and individuals have requested permission to do so

(3) how many of these companies and individuals have been granted permission.

Legislation in London allows licensed PHVs to be used for private purposes; they can therefore also be driven by unlicensed drivers. It is not a regulatory requirement for vehicle owners, whether individuals or companies, to inform us when a PHV is used by a non-licensed driver for private use, nor do they need to request permission to do so. For this reason we do not hold the information requested. However, if we are notified of a specific concern around a particular vehicle, we will take appropriate action. 

If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Melissa Nichols

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London