Request ID: FOI-1287-2223 Date published: 16 September 2022
You asked
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 any business with 5 or more employees must by law have a written health and safety policy or statement.
Can you please tell me whether TfL has seen or obtained events of a written heath and safety policy or statement prior to licensing:
1. Uber?
2. Addison Lee?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1287-2223
Thank you for your request received on 25 August 2022 asking for information about private hire vehicle (PHV) operator health and safety policies.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
We do not hold the information you have requested. All PHV operators in London must meet a strict range of pre-licensing requirements before they are granted a licence. They are then subject to ongoing compliance inspections throughout the life of the licence to ensure that they continue to adhere to private hire regulations.
Further information on the licensing requirements for PHV operators can be found on our website here: www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-operator-licence.
Our guidance provided to PHV operators is that they must ensure they meet health and safety standards and comply with relevant legislation, including the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
Applicants and licensed PHV operators are required to provide us with evidence of Employers' Liability Insurance as part of the application process.
In addition, as part of the licensing application process, we carry out physical inspections of the proposed operating centre, particularly where the proposed centre is subject to public access. This inspection includes health and safety aspects to ensure the premises provides a satisfactory customer and working environment.
However, there is not a regulatory requirement for TfL to retain or hold a PHV operator’s health and safety policy documentation.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
