Request ID: FOI-3863-2324 Date published: 21 February 2024
You asked
I am writing this email to enquire the regulations surrounding, Taxi Roof Top Illuminated Digital Advertising. I was unbale to find further, up-to-date, information concerning this, therefore getting into contact with you.
The document named MHC/303 (see attached) outlines the limitations on the use of illuminated digital advertising displays on TX London Taxis, up to 1,000 as of 1st December 2014. This is also referenced on the forum on the gov.uk website, titled Taxi top advertising talking on the limitation on the number of TX4 Black cabs, that are permitted to be equipped with the digital displays in the vicinity of London.
I would like to address 2 questions on this:
- Is this restriction only imposed on TX4 Taxis or on private owned vehicles as well?
- Are there any updated regulations or documentation regarding this?
- Is there a requirement to receive a license to permit Roof Top Illuminated Digital Advertising on privately hired vehicles (PHV)?
Thank you very much for your time!
We answered
Our ref: FOI-3863-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 January 2024 asking for information about Taxi top advertising.
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. You asked:
1. Is this restriction only imposed on TX4 Taxis or on private owned vehicles as well?
I can confirm that this applies to Taxis only. Regulation 8 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London PHV Licences) Regulations 2004, as amended, provides that no signs or advertising material shall be displayed on private hire vehicles (PHVs), therefore, they are unable to be used for advertising purposes.
We have recently concluded a consultation in response to DfT Statutory Standard guidance which included private hire signage. As a result of the consultation, we are not considering changing the advertising criteria in relation to PHVs, however, we will be introducing mandated signage regarding public information. A TPH notice was published on the outcome which can be found here.
2. Are there any updated regulations or documentation regarding this?
The trial we carried out in relation to taxi-top advertising for TX4 model taxis proved unsuccessful and no benefit gained to either the taxi trade or general public.
Furthermore, the predominant taxi currently in use in London, the LEVC TX Vista, has not been designed to carry such constructions and therefore we are not considering approvals for taxi-top advertising medium devices.
3. Is there a requirement to receive a license to permit Roof Top Illuminated Digital Advertising on privately hired vehicles (PHV)?
As mentioned in relation to question 1, Regulation 8 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London PHV Licences) Regulations 2004, provides that no signs or advertising material shall be displayed on PHVs, therefore, they are unable to be used for advertising purposes.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Tahsin Prima FOI Case Officer General Counsel Transport for London
