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Should PHVs have operator liveries on their doors?

man in orange jacket leaning into the window of a white private hire taxi

Taxis and PHVs are designed to stand out from the crowd so passengers can easily identify the vehicle they are getting into. This not only helps with getting the PHV you have booked, it also improves safety.

Illegal taxis

But following instances of unlicensed PHVs with fake liveries illegally picking up passengers, one council has followed Transport for London’s lead and banned vehicles from displaying company names and logos – instead wanting passengers to focus on the taxi badge displayed at the rear of the vehicle to ensure it is genuine.

City of Wolverhampton Council believes that this identifier is more difficult to replicate and will help distinguish genuine, licensed taxis and PHVs that are safe and have the correct taxi insurance. It became the first authority to introduce the new government guidelines designed to combat illegal taxis and improve passenger safety.

The council also believes that removing taxi operator liveries will reduce vandalism of taxis and targeting of PHVs, such as the incidents that took place during the summer riots.

New guidance

The council announced it “will implement the government’s best practice guidance, which requires private hire drivers not to display livery signage, such as that of a private hire vehicle operator, on their doors.

“This aims to prevent impersonation of private hire vehicles by anyone who prints their own imitation signage and operates as an illegal taxi.”

It said the change is designed to ensure that passengers “focus on the private hire vehicle licence plate on the rear of the vehicle to verify their booking.

“Customers can also check the driver and vehicle that has been sent to collect them by direct contact with the operator via phone, text message or app. The driver will also know their name and destination through the booking details the passenger provided.”

Genuine concerns

While people might feel that a few rogue drivers with fake door liveries isn’t enough to warrant their removal from all PHVs licensed by Wolverhampton, the decision has been taken following a three-month consultation with the trade, and 93% were in favour of removing the signs.

Those responding felt the changes would make journeys safer for passengers and prevent damage which some felt the stickers could cause and reduce the risk of vehicles being targeted by vandals. The move also follows incidents nationally in which vulnerable passengers – such as women on their own – have been attacked by illegal drivers.

The Government also believes that high levels of signage can draw attention to private hire vehicles and lead to them being mistaken for public-hire taxis. It is illegal for PHV drivers to accept passengers who have not been booked in advance and, if they do pick up a fare in this way, they are unlicensed and uninsured.

To further reduce any confusion for passengers, the council issued PHV drivers with ‘pre-booked only’ signs to be attached to each passenger window.

The council has also reminded passengers that those who need a vehicle immediately should hail hackney carriages with an illuminated ‘TAXI’ light. The driver must also hold a valid hackney carriage licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and they must be wearing their hackney carriage or dual driver licence badge.

Leading the way?

Wolverhampton believes the changes will help make passengers safer. As TaxiPoint asks, will other licensing authorities follow their lead?

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Wolverhampton cabinet member for resident services, said: “The safety of all passengers is paramount and we are implementing government guidelines to try and prevent unscrupulous drivers creating fake signage and taking passengers under false pretences.

“This has led to instances of revoked drivers illegally plying for hire, as well as unlicensed drivers impersonating taxis. We want to work alongside the legitimate trade drivers to stop this type of fraudulent and frightening behaviour.

“I would encourage all passengers to look for the private hire vehicle licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and the badge worn by the driver. They can also contact the operator to double check details.

“People wanting to hail a cab in the street should only approach vehicles with an illuminated taxi sign, then check it has a valid hackney carriage licence plate. They should then verify the licence badge the hackney carriage driver is wearing.”

All information is correct at time of publication. Information provided within this article may have changed over time. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by John Patons Insurance Services or any of its employees.

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Private Hire