Chauffeurs secure exemption from new TfL signage requirements

London chauffeur operators have secured exemptions from Transport for London’s onerous new signage requirements for private hire vehicles.

The agreement follows talks between TfL officials and Greg Mendoza of Carey Worldwide, who heads the LPHCA’s chauffeur and executive section.

Mendoza said: “I am pleased to be able to confirm now that any vehicles with a current license disc exemption will also be exempt from the new signage. It has also been confirmed that there will be availability of wider exemptions for Chauffeur and Executive vehicles based on criteria that are still to be confirmed.”

This means fleet owners who can demonstrate their business is 100% chauffeur/executive should be granted an exemption as long as they can list the exempt vehicles and prove that they will not be used for general private hire work and will only be assigned work by that operator.

“Operators that carry out a mix of executive and general private hire/minicab work may have to jump through more hoops before a decision on exemption can be made,” Mendoza said.

However the situation is less clear for owner-drivers, who will have to demonstrate that they only accept work from recognised chauffeur and executive operators. Mendoza said: “These particular exemptions will be harder to come by and there is still a lot of discussion to be had before any process or criteria is agreed.”

The requirement for signage went live on July 1, 2024. New signs which measure 160mm x 80mm will be applied to the rear passenger quarter lights or rear passenger windows of non exempt vehicles during their annual license inspection. It will be the driver’s responsibility to ensure signage is in place from July 1, 2025.

To apply for an exemption, use the following e-mail address:
TPHVehicleExemptions@tfl.gov.uk