TfL Ref: FOI-2183-2425
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 10 October 2024 asking for information about the health and safety of taxi drivers.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
Specifically you asked:
1) Have TFL carried out Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) evaluations to safeguard the physical wellbeing of taxi drivers when assisting passengers into Taxis vehicles?
There are statutory exemptions in place that allow a licensing authority to issue an exemption certificate to a licensed taxi driver if it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so on medical grounds, or on the ground that the licensed taxi driver’s physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to comply with those duties on medical grounds.
2) Do TFL offer guidance to new drivers who have completed the knowledge of how to assist wheelchair users into their taxi vehicles safely so drivers and passengers do not suffer injury during this process? Does TFL provide information of this to older licensees, on regular or annual basis?
As part of the final stage of licensing, taxi drivers are informed of their responsibilities under the Equality Act on the grant of their licence. We also provide specific guidance to both new and existing licensed taxi drivers on supporting passengers who are wheelchair users or who have an assistance dog. This guidance is available on our website here: www.tfl.gov.uk/tph-access
Additionally, we regularly provide information to all licensees regarding their obligations to assist passengers who require additional assistance through the following channels:
We also provide online health and wellbeing guidance and resources to licensees. More information is available on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/health-and-wellbeing
Self-employed taxi drivers may also wish to access information provided by the Health and Safety Executive on their website here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/areyou/employed.htm
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Abidakun
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
