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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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