Transport for London (TfL), which regulates and licenses the taxi and private hire trades in the Capital in the interests of passengers, submitted its application on Wednesday 25 March to the High Court for a declaration on taximeters.

This follows confirmation that the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has invited the Magistrates' Court to withdraw their summonses for breach of the private hire taximeter prohibition.

The application to the High Court has been served on Uber and the main trade bodies - the LTDA and the Licensed Private Hire Car Association - who will be entitled to make representations in response to the application.

TfL is seeking a High Court declaration on whether smart phones, which use GPS technology to measure the time and distance of a journey and then receive information about fares, comply with the current law on 'taximeters', which can only be used in London by taxis.

The rapid pace at which smart phone based technology has developed in recent years has led to a need for clarity about what is required in order for apps to comply with the regulatory framework in London, to ensure there is a level playing field for all operators.

TfL set out its view that on balance smart phones used by private hire drivers do not constitute the equipping of a vehicle with a 'taximeter'. However, because the legislation in this area is unclear and able to be interpreted in various ways, TfL has applied to the High Court to give a binding determination on this issue.

Leon Daniels, TfL's Managing Director of Surface Transport, said: `We are now a step closer to securing a High Court declaration on the issue of taximeters and hope that London's taxi and private hire drivers and operators will work with us.

`We welcome developments that make life easier for passengers. As in many other areas of transport and retail services, apps can offer passengers the potential of better and more convenient services, but their use must be legal and on the issue of taximeters the law is unclear. A binding High Court declaration will bring clarity on this issue for all parties.'

TfL anticipates that the hearing will be held this summer

Notes to Editors

  • A wide range of action is being taken by TfL to ensure that taxi and private hire passengers can benefit from new technology while being assured that the highest safety standards are being maintained.
  • This includes consulting the trades on what amendments may be necessary to the regulations on recording particulars of private hire bookings, including journey destinations, to keep them clear and relevant in a changing world and to promote public safety.