Request ID: FOI-4607-2324 Date published: 28 March 2024
You asked
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I seek clarification on the following:
1. Could you provide details on when and from which court TFL received the order for the SERU test?
2. Is there an official notice for drivers to attend court regarding the SERU test?
3. Why is the SERU test mandatory only for PHV drivers? Both PHV and Taxi drivers share the same roads and serve the same customers; what distinguishes them from exempt taxi drivers?
4. How many PHV drivers in London have been working for more than five years?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4607-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 12 March 2024.
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. You asked:
Could you provide details on when and from which court TFL received the order for the SERU test?
Transport for London (TfL) introduced the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) requirement on 1 October 2021.
Is there an official notice for drivers to attend court regarding the SERU test?
An applicant is required to attend a TfL driver assessment centre to undertake a SERU assessment (not a court).
Why is the SERU test mandatory only for PHV drivers? Both PHV and Taxi drivers share the same roads and serve the same customers; what distinguishes them from exempt taxi drivers?
In July 2020, the Department for Transport (DfT) introduced new Statutory Standards to enhance passenger safety for taxi (black cab) and private hire vehicle (PHV) services.
Further information on SERU assessments for taxi drivers is providedhere.
How many PHV drivers in London have been working for more than five years?
As of 27 March 2024, of the 106,382 licensed private hire drivers, 64,731 have been working for more than five years.
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.
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Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
