Mini Cabs and Private Hire Vehicles in london.

As we've found out from trying to follow up from this unresolved incident, "tfl are not liable for any damages caused by taxi driver, who are self employed" and will fob you off with a cut and paste response of you contact them about incidents, but they do have the power to issue or remove licenses.

such a response....

*Thank you for your email dated 22 July 2009.

I must explain that the Public Carriage Office can only deal with offences that are contrary to the Hackney Carriage Acts and Orders. Under the circumstances you describe, we are unable to take any action against the taxi driver involved.

The Public Carriage Office has no legislative power to investigate road traffic offences, such as dangerous driving, damage to vehicles or failing to stop after an accident, committed by cab drivers. I can only advise you that you should follow the advice given by the Police and report the matter in person to the nearest police station.

Whilst I recognise that the police have many responsibilities placed upon them, the fact remains that they are the only authority that can investigate the road traffic offences that you describe. In any event that action is taken, for example by way of a conviction this will result in the taxi driver’s fitness to remain licensed being reviewed by the Licensing Authority.

I must further clarify that the Public Carriage Office is the licensing authority for taxi drivers, and is not liable for any damages caused by taxi driver, who are self employed. Such issues are civil matters between you and the taxi driver and could be pursued through the courts.

I am sorry that you had reason to complain in respect of a licensed cab driver and wish to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. The incident has been noted on our records.

Kind regards

Mr Dimitris Phanos
Complaints Support.

Phone 020 7126 3152
*