TfL denies any discussions that allow for advertising to appear on Private Hire Vehicles

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that there are currently no discussions taking place regarding the use of advertising on private hire vehicles (PHV). This comes in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking clarity on this matter.

The spokesperson mentioned that Regulation 8 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London PHV Licences) Regulations 2004, as amended, explicitly states that no signs or advertising material should be displayed on private hire vehicles. As a result, it is not permissible to install any type of advertising technology on licensed private hire vehicles. However, it should be noted that licensed taxis in London do not face such restrictions.

It was however noted that the Department for Transport (DfT) initiated a consultation in March 2022 on their proposed "Taxi and private hire vehicle best practice guidance". This consultation included discussions on permissible signage and advertising for private hire vehicles. TfL has expressed its intention to carefully consider the recommendations put forth by the DfT once the updated Best Practice Guidance is published.

The issue of advertising technology on private hire vehicles has sparked interest among both industry stakeholders and the public. Some argue that allowing such technology could provide additional income opportunities for PHV drivers, while others express concerns around exhibiting availability for non-booked street rides.

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said via a FOI: “We can confirm that there are no discussions currently underway regarding the use of advertising technology on private hire vehicles.

“Regulation 8 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London PHV Licences) Regulations 2004, as amended, provides that no signs or advertising material shall be displayed on PHVs, Therefore, it is not permissible to install this type of technology on a licensed private hire vehicle. There are no such restrictions for licensed taxis in London

“In March 2022 the DfT launched a consultation on their proposed “Taxi and private hire vehicle best practice guidance”. This included consideration of what signage and advertising should be permissible on private hire vehicles. We will consider the recommendations from the DfT once the updated Best Practice Guidance is published.”