FOI request detail

Taxis and For Hire Signs

Request ID: FOI-1534-2122
Date published: 12 November 2021

You asked

This a request for information about the 'For Hire' sign of TXe taxis. TfL's Conditions of Fitness (25) require cabs to have a For Hire sign that is clearly visible both by day and night when the taxi is available for hire . However, many taxi drivers who operate TXe taxis find that the For Hire sign fitted as original equipment is not bright enough to be clearly visible at all times when the cab is plying for hire. My Request I would like to know what steps were taken by TfL before the TXe cab was approved for use by TfL, to ensure that its For Hire sign was able to meet the standards required by Condition of Fitness 25.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-1534-2122/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 18 October 2021 asking for information about Taxis and For Hire Signs.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

As part of the licensing approval process a London licensed taxi is required to meet our Conditions of Fitness.

This includes Condition 25 that states: A “Taxi” sign approved by LTPH, is clearly visible both by day and night when the taxi is available for hire, must be fitted.

The ‘Taxi’ sign installed to the model TXe taxi by the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) was approved by Transport for London (TfL) for use in 2017.

TfL carried out visual inspections of the “Taxi” sign in daylight conditions in London and during daylight at the LEVC factory premises. No issues regarding the lamp were found. Night time inspections of the “taxi” sign also identified no issues.

We are aware that there have been some complaints raised regarding the TXe model “Taxi” sign in bright sunlight. TfL has engaged with LEVC and we understand that work is in progress to make some improvements to the “Taxi” sign.

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

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.


Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
 

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