Category: PHV Industry

The TfL Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Inspection centre in London are being reduced from 6 to 5. The NSL vehicle inspection centre in Canning Town will be closing at the end of February 2023.

North site – Enfield
West site – Heston
Central West site – Staples Corner
Central East site – Rainham
South East site – Sidcup

Here is a list of the 5 TfL Vehicle Inspection Centres for Private Hire Vehicle Licensing:

1. North London – Enfield

• Google Maps Link
• Address: Unit 2, Watermill Business Centre, Edison Road, Enfield, London, EN3 7XF
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

 

2. West London – Heston

• Google Maps Link
• Address: NSL Inspection Centre, Unit 20a, Airlinks, Spitfire Way, Heston, TW5 9NR
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 4pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

 

3. Central West – Staples Corner 

• Google Maps Link
• Address: Unit 2 Aquarius Business Park, Priestley Way, Staples Corner, London, NW2 7AN
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

 

4. East London – Rainham

• Google Maps Link
• Address: Unit 10 Segro Park, Rainham, RM13 8HY
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

 

5. PCO Vehicle Inspection South East London

• Google Maps Link
• Address: Unit 13 & 14, Klinger Industrial Park, Edgington Way, Sidcup, DA14 5AF
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 7am to 5pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed

All Private Hire Vehicle inspection sites offer the following facilities:

• Numbered parking bays to facilitate the check-in process
• Waiting area with TVs
• Access to newspapers and magazines
• Tea and coffee vending machines
• Cold drink vending machines
• Snack vending machines
• Toilets
• Disabled toilets
• Electric car charging points

If you need to book your vehicle for Private Hire Vehicle Licensing, you can conveniently make your booking online by visiting the TfL Vehicle Licensing Booking Site.

If you’ve taken the SERU online training course, you will know that section 4 of the PHV driver handbook covers staying safe as a PHV driver.

Aside from this, TfL, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service have created a leaflet specifically tailored for Private Hire and Taxi drivers in London.

This comprehensive leaflet offers practical guidance on ensuring personal safety while working as a driver.

Upon review, we noticed that much of the information covered in the TfL SERU assessment aligns with the content of this leaflet. While the information provided should be common sense for private hire drivers, a gentle reminder is always valuable.

Let’s break down the key points highlighted in the Stay Safe while Working leaflet:

1. Safeguarding your money and belongings:

a. Avoid leaving cash in easily accessible areas within your vehicle, such as the central console near the gear stick or cupholders.

b. Limit the amount of cash you carry with you.

c. Keep your phone out of reach of passengers, and it’s advisable to note down your IMEI number. This will aid in identifying or blocking your phone if it gets stolen. You can find your phone’s IMEI number by dialing *#06#.

d. In the event of any threat involving a weapon, immediately dial 999 without jeopardizing your personal safety.

2. Ensuring safety while driving:

a. If a passenger requests an abrupt stop or diverts the journey to quieter areas, aim to stop in well-lit locations with other people present.

b. Stay cautious of tactics employed to coax you out of your vehicle, such as asking to adjust seats or access the trunk.

c. If you must leave your vehicle, remember to turn off the ignition and take your keys with you.

3. Useful resources at your disposal:

a. Consider utilizing a lone working device equipped with emergency contact capabilities and monitoring stations. Pressing the alarm will notify someone to provide assistance.

b. Approved TfL CCTV systems can be installed in Private Hire Vehicles, serving as an effective deterrent and aiding in capturing evidence.

c. Explore the option of incorporating a vehicle tracking device, which can assist in locating your vehicle in the event of theft. Some of these devices may even help reduce insurance premiums.

4. Reporting incidents:

a. Always report suspected crimes to the police.

b. For emergencies, dial 999 immediately. Non-emergency incidents can be reported by calling 101.

c. Ensure that you inform your operator, as they are obligated to maintain a record of every booking. If an incident occurs, they can provide the necessary details to TfL or the police for further investigation.

PHV drivers are infrequently targeted by criminals and unfortunately there have been known cases of attacks on drivers. Therefore it is crucial to know what to do to keep yourself safe and where to go to for help.

Stay safe.

The transition to fully electric private hire vehicles has begun. As of 2023, TfL has implemented a policy to exclusively license new private hire vehicles that are zero emission capable (ZEC).

Uber has also set a target to make all their vehicles electric by 2025, while Addison Lee has already upgraded their entire fleet to fully electric models. It’s anticipated that more private hire operators will join this movement towards full electrification.

Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of the private hire industry. As a self-employed private hire driver, it’s crucial to consider future-proofing your trade by gradually transitioning to an electric vehicle.

To help you plan for the future, we have curated a list of popular electric cars suitable for private hire work. This compilation includes electric cars of various sizes, along with their cost, charging times based on fast charging speeds, and our favourite pick from the selection.

10 Electric Vehicles Popular for Private Hire Work in London

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3, one of the pioneering electric cars, boasts a futuristic design and is equipped with impressive technological features. While not the largest option, it remains a popular choice.

• Body Type: Saloon
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 425 liters
• Range: 340 miles
• Charge time: 7 hours
• Price: New – £43,000

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Sporting a retro-futuristic design, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an SUV hatchback that deceives with its compact appearance and surprisingly spacious interior.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 527 liters
• Range: 298 miles
• Charge time: 6 hours
• Price: New – £43,000

Volkswagen ID.4

Similar in style and size to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Volkswagen ID.4 has also been chosen as the electric vehicle of preference for the Addison Lee fleet upgrade.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 543 liters
• Range: 328 miles
• Charge time: 8 hours
• Price: New – £38,000

BMW i4

Designed with executive use in mind, the BMW i4 is a premium electric vehicle that shares a similar size with the BMW 3 series and features the iconic BMW styling.

• Body Type: Saloon
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 470 liters
• Range: 365 miles
• Charge time: 7 hours
• Price: New – £50,000

Skoda Enyaq

The Skoda Enyaq stands out as an excellent 7-seater electric vehicle, filling a gap that was previously lacking in the market. It is our top choice for electric cars used in private hire work.

• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Boot Space: 585 liters
• Range: 260 miles
• Charge time: 6 hours
• Price: New – £39,000

Jaguar I-Pace:

The Jaguar I-Pace is a prestigious SUV brand with a distinctive and eye-catching design that sets it apart from other vehicles. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking a stylish car for private hire work.

• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 656 liters
• Range: 292 miles
• Charge time: 10 hours
• Price: New – £70,000

Tesla Model X:

Tesla’s Model X was the first electric 7-seater available in the market. While it falls into the higher price range, it’s a desirable car suitable for executive travel.

• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Boot Space: 544 liters
• Range: 348 miles
• Charge time: 6.5 hours
• Price: New – £90,000

Citroen e-SpaceTourer:

The Citroen e-SpaceTourer offers one of the best price points among electric cars, particularly because it comes with 9 seats. While its range is not extensive, it compensates with quick charging, taking only 30 minutes to reach an 80% charge.

• Body Type: MPV
• Seating Capacity: 9
• Boot Space: 603 liters
• Range: 136 miles
• Charge time: 6.5 hours
• Price: New – £35,000

MG 4 EV:

The MG 4 EV is an affordable electric vehicle with a futuristic and stylish appearance.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 363 liters
• Range: 281 miles
• Charge time: 8 hours
• Price: New – £26,000

Kia e-Niro EV:

The Kia e-Niro EV is another reasonably priced electric vehicle, featuring an SUV body type that offers a slightly more spacious feel even as a 5-seater.

• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Boot Space: 348 liters
• Range: 235 miles
• Charge time: 10 hours
• Price: New – £27,000