FOI request detail

Taxi Controlled Zones

Request ID: FOI-2321-2223
Date published: 12 January 2023

You asked
I wish to know: a) What areas a taxi driver is required to drop off to (I tried to get one to Tooting and was told it was too far) b) The regulations around when a driver can refuse a fare c) How to complain if a taxi does not pick you up (and get feedback) I would also like to know why this is not made very clear on your website.

We answered

Our Ref:         FOI-2321-2223

Thank you for clarifying your request asking for information about controlled zones for black taxis.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked:

a)         What areas a taxi driver is required to drop off to (I tried to get one to Tooting and was told it was too far)

The TfL website states: “Unless they have a good reason not to, drivers must accept any hiring up to 12 miles (20 miles if starting at Heathrow Airport) or up to one hour duration, if the destination is in Greater London.”

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/taxi-fares

b)         The regulations around when a driver can refuse a fare

Please see page 13, section 34 of the ‘Abstract of Laws - General guidance on hackney carriage law for London’s licensed taxi drivers’ that is available on our website:

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/taxi-drivers-abstract-of-laws.pdf

c)         How to complain if a taxi does not pick you up (and get feedback)

Please use the following form if you would like to complain or provide feedback about a taxi or private hire driver. We will investigate the incident that you have reported and may contact you to ask for further information or to provide you with feedback:

https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/contact-us-about-taxi-and-private-hire

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please feel free to contact me.

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

[email protected]

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