Bookings, why a PHV is not a taxi, late night venues, airports, fares, lost property and refusing a job.
The section in short
Section 3 covers the everyday rules for doing a private hire job, from booking to drop off. The key idea is that every trip must be booked through a licensed operator. The SERU often tests the differences between a PHV and a taxi.
Only take booked jobs
You may only do jobs given to you by a licensed London PHV operator. Use a London licensed PHV with its discs on show, unless it is exempt. Never work for an unlicensed operator. If you are unsure, ask for their operator licence number and check it with TfL's online licence checker. This is a public register, so anyone can use it. (Page 14)
A PHV is not a taxi
You cannot pick people up on the street, at stations or at airports without a booking. That includes the pavement outside your operator's office. Nobody may get in before the booking reaches you. Do not signal or say that you are free for hire. If someone asks for a ride, you may give them a card with your operator's number or website. (Page 14)
What the operator records
Before each trip, your operator must record the booking. This covers the booking date and journey date, the passenger's name, and the pickup time and place. It also covers the main destination, the fare or estimate, and which driver and vehicle will do the job. You do not record these yourself, but tell your operator about changes, such as a new destination. (Page 14)
Late night venues
Some operators are licensed to take bookings inside a pub or club. They may only do this at the booking point named on their licence. Never approach people outside to offer a ride, as this can be an offence. Tell them to book with a licensed operator. Park with care, keep noise down, switch off your engine, do not drop litter and respect local residents. (Page 15)
Airports
Airports are private land with their own byelaws, so learn Heathrow's rules. You may enter Heathrow only to collect a booked passenger. You may also wait there for a job, but only in the PHV Authorised Vehicle Area or an approved car park. Always use an approved car park for pickups, never local car parks or nearby streets. Taxi ranks at Heathrow and London City are for black cabs only. (Page 15)
Trips outside London and fares
A trip may start or end outside Greater London, as long as a licensed London operator accepted it. Ask your operator if unsure. TfL does not set PHV fares. The operator agrees a fare or gives an accurate estimate before the trip. If the passenger changes the destination, adds people or brings extra luggage, tell your operator when it is safe. (Page 16)
Lost property and suspicious items
Remind passengers to take their things, and check the car and boot after every trip. Take anything you find to your operator, who must keep a record of it by law. If an item seems suspicious, call 999 and follow police advice. You can report other worrying activity to the anti-terrorist hotline. The police keep your report confidential. (Page 16)
If you cannot do a booking
Once you accept a job, do it unless you have a very good reason. You may refuse people who are violent or offensive, or who carry open alcohol or dangerous items. Stay polite and explain why. Give your operator the full reasons, because they must find another driver or tell the passenger. Never refuse someone for being disabled or having an assistance dog. (Page 17)