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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] | @privatehirenews