NAVIGATING TFL RULES: A guide for London's taxis and PHVs on the do’s and don’t's when stopping and waiting

In London, black taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) are a common sight, seamlessly navigating the city's thoroughfares to pick up and set down passengers.

Unlike some other rules in the industry, the expectations surrounding where these vehicles can stop and for how long are precise and necessitate close attention from drivers to ensure they are complying legally.

Both taxi and PHV drivers are granted the ability to halt their vehicles in several areas typically restricted for waiting or stopping, primarily for the purpose of picking up or dropping off passengers. It is essential that these stops are made only for the duration necessary for passengers to board or alight from the vehicle, with additional allowances made for assisting wheelchair users to ensure their safe and secure positioning within the vehicle.

According to Transport for London (TfL), specific allowances permit stopping on single and double yellow and red lines, in designated loading and no-loading zones, within parking bays, and even in bus lanes. However, drivers are warned against stopping in positions that could cause obstruction or pose a safety hazard, such as on zigzag lines near pedestrian or school crossings, or areas clearly marked with a 'No Stopping' sign.

A significant restriction placed on PHVs is the prohibition against stopping on taxi ranks. Furthermore, during restricted hours, particularly on red routes between 10pm and 6am, drivers are permitted a maximum stopping time of five minutes to facilitate passenger access to cash points.

The guidelines also clarify that, outside of immediate boarding or alighting, waiting or parking in restricted zones without leaving the vehicle could result in being handed a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This is applicable even under circumstances such as arriving early for a booking, delays caused by late customers, or at the request of a customer for brief stops at shops.

Additionally, the guidance advises against the practice of engine idling while stationary, highlighting the environmental impact and the illegality of such actions on public roads.