In this role, Graham played a key role in modernizing the Department, which previously relied on outdated and disparate paper-based systems and processes. The licensing service will now be migrated to a single system and will offer online functionality to all licensees. Graham also helped provide a new outsourced vehicle registration service responsible for the annual inspection of all vehicles. This follows a second consultation with the taxi and private rental industry, stakeholders and the public on the proposed licence changes from the perspective of the ULEZ. From 1 October 2021, it will no longer be possible to comply with the ELR by presenting proof of qualification or by presenting a certificate from a Secure English Language Test provider designated by TfL. The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) today confirmed to the taxi and private rental industries how they will do their part to improve air quality in London when the world`s first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is introduced in the capital in 2020. Garrett Emmerson, TfL`s Chief Operating Officer for Land and Sea Transport, said: “It is clear that we need to take important steps to tackle the problem of poor air quality in London and that transport needs to play a central role. The ultra-low emission zone, which will be introduced in 2020, will be an effective way to improve air quality throughout the city. But we are not waiting until then to make major improvements. The measures we are putting in place will encourage taxi and minicab owners to act now and move towards a cleaner taxi and private rental business and a cleaner London. “Any person applying for a new licence or wishing to renew their licence as of October 1, 2021 must comply with the LRA before a licence is granted. The mayor told City Hall that once Transport for London (TfL) introduces new legal standards for taxis and private rentals and the industry recovers from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, further scrutiny will be given to advanced driving tests and private car rental insurance. In 2010, Graham was appointed Head of Driving Licensing, London Taxi and Private Hire (TPH), a position that has since become Chief Licensing Officer, overseeing all licences for private rental services and taxis.
The Mayor and TfL have secured £65 million in funding to help taxi drivers reach a target of 9,000 zero-emission taxis by 2020. Up to £5,000 is available for taxi drivers who wish to deactivate their vehicle once it is 10 years old, with the exact amount depending on the age of the vehicle. In addition, a £5,000 subsidy for plug-in cars is available from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), to which a £3,000 “charging subsidy” can be added. The same OLEV plug-in subsidy is also available for private rental drivers. Transitional arrangements for the SERU evaluation will be made in 2021 and before 31 March 2023. During the transition period and subject to compliance with all other licensing requirements, applicants may obtain a licence prior to completing and passing the SERU assessment to give them time to prepare for the assessment. Instead, TfL uses two separate assessments: the SERU scoring result and a speech and hearing score. The speech and listening assessment will also be valid from 1 October 2021 and will consist of a 15-20 minute conversation that will take place in TfL`s offices. Private drivers who have not yet passed an English, writing or audition test will not revoke their licence when the new licensing policy is introduced in autumn 2021, according to London business sources.
Earlier this month, London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed that new taxi licensing and private rental policies covering “protection, equality and regulatory obligations” would arrive later this year and that the advanced driving test and private car rental insurance policy industry would continue to be considered. “If a licensee or applicant has not yet provided evidence, they are now up to 30 years old. September 2021 It`s time to do it. TfL has extended this deadline until September 2021 due to delays due to the Covid pandemic. He said: “Any person whose application for a PhV Driving Licence from London (including an extension) received by TfL on or after 14 October 2016 has until 30 September 2021 to provide proof that they comply with the ELR by providing written proof of qualification or by passing a SELT with one of TfL`s designated suppliers. In addition to these operational challenges, Graham oversees a number of key activities from a strategic perspective as Interim Managing Director. To maintain TfL`s role in ensuring taxi and private rental services, recognise the Mayor`s ambitions for a dynamic taxi and private hire market that will provide space for all providers to thrive, while raising standards to improve safety and quality of service in London. These included amendments to the rules on private hire to introduce new safety requirements, the introduction of new age limits for taxis to encourage the introduction of new zero-emission taxis and the gradual change in the approach to assessing the suitability of private rental operators. The 15-year age limit for taxis remains in place, but the downgrade program will encourage taxi drivers to remove the oldest and most polluting vehicles from the fleet and switch to new zero-emission taxis.
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