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POLL
Absolutely accepting that PHV & Taxi Drivers need to be able to verbally communicate
in English with their passengers and others, is there a requirement for them to have the
ability to read and write in English to be able to do their job adequately?
YES The ability to read and write in the language of
the country that you live and work in is essential. The
question is, to what standard should the benchmark
be set? Anonymous
YES English is needed to do this job, but not
for drivers who have been doing the job for more
than 10 years. Anonymous
NO It is clear that although it is essential to be able to
YES
22%
NO Although it is important that drivers can
communicate verbally to a passenger for safety
of all, it is not a necessity that a driver needs to
read and write as most road signs are symbols,
many with warning signs in red which equals danger.
All who drive understand road markings, speed limits,
etc. and if not, it’s a driving test that’s required, not lessons in
reading and writing. We have all passed our driving test without proving
we can write an essay or punctuate a sentence, except for being asked
to read a number plate for vision purposes. If a passenger is suddenly
taken ill, they do not write a note and pass it to you, they verbally request
help. Can TfL confirm that every taxi driver can read and write? If the
answer is no, then clearly we need to be affirmed the same rights.
Simon Rush – Branch President, GMB Professional Drivers
NO As you indicate, PHV drivers must have a reasonable command
of English to be able to do their job properly. That reasonable ability
must include an essential aspect of communication, as confidence in the
driver is important and proper communication between the driver and his
passengers is a part of that. Our only concern about the English language
requirement is the way that it is being interpreted and implemented. It
should not apply to British citizens or anyone who has lived and worked
in Britain or any English-speaking country for a reasonable length of time.
There always will be anomalies of course, I have a colleague who was
born and brought up in India, but English is her first language, also all
Dutch citizens speak English etc. I do hope that the authorities abandon
their current nonsensical policy and replace it with something that is
reasonable and appropriate.
Peter Jamieson – The Driver Guides Association – London
NO This will drive honest hard working drivers on the street and
touting will become the number 1 problem for TfL TPH.
Trevor Parker – Greenlight Cars – Dartford, London
The last Private Hire News poll asked whether there is a
requirement for PHV Drivers to have the ability to read and
write in English to be able to do their job adequately.
The response to the poll reflects the considered view of the
LPHCA and most of our Members by overwhelmingly stating that
there should be no such requirement. In addition to the poll
we have received hundreds of calls from drivers, operators and
others who believe it is not necessary to have a written element
to the test.
We have only had one conversation with a member who feels
a written element of testing is necessary, whereas we have
Issue 78
Poll Question
NO
78%
communicate verbally, there is no need for PHV drivers to
be able to pass a test in written English. It is so sad
to see drivers with decades of experience being
forced out of the industry due to ill-conceived and
unnecessary red tape. The Mayor and TfL should
reconsider this disastrous regulation change
before it damages the lives of thousands of our
colleagues for no good reason.
Greg Mendoza – Carey International –
West London
NO I have been very pro-active and a leading
campaigner in getting London’s Private Hire trade licensed
to achieve better safety for the travelling Public and recognise the
need to continuously improve the trade in general and heartily agree
the need to improve the English language level within the industry and
believe it would help communication in the event of an emergency
situation. However, instead of having a listening and verbal test the
New Mayor has insisted this include a writing test as well. The Mayor
insists this is a public safety requirement, yet no matter how I try I
cannot envisage the need to write a communication to a passenger as
complex as this test is requiring.
Eddie Townson – Carlton Motors – Welling, Kent
NO I feel insulted that I am required to provide proof of my ability
to speak, read or write English. I have lived here all my life as have my
parents, grandparents, etc. The whole process has been implemented so
badly and without consideration of the knock on impact of such a ruling.
Barry Frankel – Addison Lee – London
NO If English is your natural language, then you should not need
to sit a test to prove you can read and write. I have been in this
profession for over 25 years and have never at any time had the need
to prove to a customer that I can read or write English.
Roland Blanks – Best Car Service – Erith, Kent
NO They must have some ability to read and write English from a
safety, training and operational point of view but what TfL are asking
for is way over the top.
Anonymous
probably had over 100 conversations and communications with
members who do not.
We have engaged with Government Ministers, London Assembly
members, all the primary trade associations and many others.
Those that do share our views strongly indicated that they do
not believe that PHV drivers need to be able to have high level
English reading and writing skills to do their job adequately.
We now know that some drivers that have been in the industry
for most of their working lives alongside others, are failing the
written element of the test. This policy is a tragedy for these
decent people.
If a Private Hire driver’s vehicle is completely off the Public Highway (for say lengthy
holiday periods or whilst undertaking prolonged repairs) in some areas, they must
keep their ‘Hire & Reward’ insurance policy running and cannot suspend or transfer
the insurance to another vehicle. Do you think this is fair? YES/NO
Get involved and answer now at www.PrivateHireNews.co.uk
10 | Private Hire News | ISSUE 77 | SPRING 2017
www.privatehirenews.co.uk | [email protected] |
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