Taxi drivers could lose their licence if they fail to stop for random TfL safety checks under new laws
Transport for London officers have been given new powers to stop taxi drivers at any time, even if they have passengers on board - and cabbies could face losing their licence to operate if they don't pull over
TAXI drivers in London could lose their licence to operate if they fail to stop for new random safety checks.
Transport for London officers will have "police-like" powers to perform checks on cabs at any time - even if they have passengers on board.
And any cabbie who refuses to stop for a TfL officer could face losing their licence, as it will be classed as an offence under the Roads Traffic Act.
TfL officers previously conducted random checks while accompanied by a police officer, but will now perform the same job alone.
The law change could potentially cause confusion among drivers, who might think they don't have to stop when police aren't present.
A spokesperson for TfL said: "Officers will do the same tests and checks which have always taken place, the new powers just mean they can do this without a police officer present, so they can perform more operations.
"If a driver fails to stop, which is rare, the driver would be reported to both the police and our licencing team to take action.
"There isn’t a monetary fine. The most severe punishment would be them losing their licence to operate."
Lone TfL officers will conduct checks on insurance, driver’s licences or photo IDs and vehicle faults to make sure cabs are as safe as possible for commuters in the capital.
The new Taxi and Private Hire Compliance Officers will have the power to cordon off a "stop"; area to pull over a vehicle for safety checks.
Mayor Sadiq Khan announced on Thursday that 109 City Hall Inspectors would have their powers increased to let them perform the role alone.
Drivers can be stopped even if they are carrying passengers, and could be barred from continuing their journey if a fault is found - meaning potential delays for commuters.
Mr Khan, said: “The safety of Londoners is my number-one priority, and with the growth of the private hire industry in London it is essential we give our compliance officers real powers to clamp down on illegal activity, and take action against unsafe and unlicensed vehicles.
"The majority of taxi and private hire drivers provide a good and safe service for Londoners, but drivers who haven’t got a valid licence or are breaching the terms of their licence shouldn’t be on London’s streets.
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“Having increased the number of compliance officers across London last year, I’m delighted they will now have the powers to pull over vehicles and take action against drivers breaking the rules and putting the safety of Londoners at risk.”
New powers for TfL officers come after a successful trial at Heathrow where more than 800 vehicles were checked.
Earlier this month, thousands of London cab drivers were unable to operate after Danish insurance firm Alpha went bankrupt.