TfL Spot Checks | Are You Prepared?
Transport for London’s compliance officers are employed to inspect private hire drivers, vehicles, and private hire operators in London . they ensure they comply with relevant legislation and regulations.
We’re here to help and make sure you and your car is ready . It is your duty as a PCO driver to make sure you have the correct documentation on your person , as well as having a private hire vehicle that’s fit for public use.
The last thing you want after a hard earned shift is to be fined or have your car’s private hire licence revoked . We’ve broken down this article into three sections . so please read the following and make sure you’re prepared for any spot checks:
Car Documentation
Please have the following in the car at all times:
- Certificate of Insurance
- Vehicle Insurance Schedule (depending on insurers, the insurance certificate and vehicle schedule may be on the same page)
- Insurance Permission Letter (subject to PCO car rental company agreement)
Driver Documentation
Please have the following in the car at all times:
- Driving Licence
- PCO badge -you will wear it around your neck at all times and not place anywhere else
Daily Car Checks
- Tyre Tread – The law requires car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre
- Lights – Check all your lights are working. You could park your car near a wall to check rear lights e.g. brake lights
- Cleanliness – Make sure your car is clean at all times
- Bodywork Damage – Please ensure there is no damage to your car and that it’s in a working order e.g rear window wiper is working, rear bumper damage
Failing to adhere to the above could result in a fine or your vehicle will deemed unfit for public use. Therefore stopping you from using that vehicle until it’s tested at a Tfl inspection centre.
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