Risks And Challenges Faced By Cab Drivers In The Uk

By Author: James Aaron
Total Articles: 11
Comment this article

The post-COVID getting-back-to-normal scene has seen several turmoils in the driving industry, and one of the most prominent is the issue of driver shortages.

The demand for taxis has resumed at the pre-COVID level since most people are heading back to work from the office, yet the availability of drivers is still low in 2023. The iGo Network, operated under Autobap, has previously reported that the number of available taxi drivers has dropped by at least 25% since the pandemic last year. Though the situation is improving, it has not fully recovered.

As waiting times, last-minute cancellations, and the simple task of booking a cab in London continue to be a hassle for so many riders, it calls for attention, why are drivers unwilling to take the job? What challenges or risks are stopping them?

Obtaining a PCO Driver’s Licence and Complications Associated With It

A Guardian publication last September talked about the issues of cab driver shortages, and the chairman of the Licencing Private Hire Car Association was interviewed. He was quoted as saying that the cost and time associated with ...
... obtaining a PCO driver’s licence have been problematic for so many drivers.

From the moment you apply for a PCO vehicle licence, many costs are incurred at different steps of the procedure, which include the following:

• Topographical tests
• CRB (DBS) Criminal Records Check
• Medical Check
• Administrative tasks and CRB preparations

It took roughly four months and somewhere up to £1,000 to carry out all the prerequisites. The pandemic has further worsened matters. Many self-employed drivers lost their leased taxis due to a lack of government support during the lockdown phases, unable to renew their PCO licences.

A good solution is to go for the PCO license packages offered by certified licence centres like the PCO Licence East London does.

You can get all the mentioned criteria fulfilled with a PCO application online, speeding up the process, along with administrative fee coverage, all under a single package, which is currently priced at £537. With smarter decisions, hassles are reduced for good.

Honing The Skillset As A Taxi

In London, taxi drivers have to qualify for 'All London' Knowledge” before they can get their driving licence, and the topographical assessment certifies the drivers. The training or certificate is not all about getting clearance but also honing the skills of a responsible taxi driver to know about different routes, roads, and transport rules, as well as having an understanding of how to use different types of maps other than Google Maps.

Training is not all about getting clearance but about honing your skills in all the highs and lows associated with safety- both personal and the passengers'. All taxi drivers need to undergo this knowledge training and topographical test until they are topographical test certified or PHV drivers.

It is often challenging to get adequate support throughout the process, especially when it comes to understanding different types of maps, which could look very confusing to some people.

Again, taking the test from a licencing centre is a smart idea, as they provide a more welcoming atmosphere and personalised support to make things easier for those who want to become taxi drivers. This includes the requirement to enrol in advanced classes to gain additional skills and manage hazards more efficiently. All of this strengthens your resume, as being a dependable driver may also increase your appeal to both passengers and taxi firms.

Making Amendments to Personal and Public Safety

Safety is a safe word, which is sometimes better said than done.
From taking a different, unknown route to requesting to stop the car on a busy street to boarding the taxi under the influence of alcohol, there are many instances when customers’ requests exploit transportation options.

These situations may jeopardise the safety and security of both the passenger and the taxi driver. Sometimes, drivers are responsible for meeting these needs as safely as possible.

While taxi firms need to streamline journeys through safer routes, the government must raise the core concerns of public safety norms. Taxi drivers often need to take the initiative to make the decision to not leave their passengers stranded in unknown areas.

Ergonomics And Physical Stress in Taxi Drivers

Ergonomic risks in the driving business are less well-known than those associated with desk job workers. However, the relationships associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the typical day-to-day physical strains of taxi drivers are not unheard of.

Many scientific investigations and surveys have examined the psychological and physiological effects on daily life, the workplace, stress levels, and general health. Awkward positions, cervical strain, constant vibration, and often lifting and moving heavy materials are common job demands. heavily impact the overall musculoskeletal well-being of drivers. Lower back pain, neck pain, and knee pain are the most common problems.

It is advisable to reduce the work hours within a realistic framework and practice preventive measures, proper and timely eating, and physical exercise to stay physically and mentally calm. Stress and anxiety are pointed out as predictors of risky driving behaviour among taxi drivers. It needs to be addressed with more strategic working patterns, proper remuneration so that drivers don’t have to work extra hours, and tax relief to sustain a quality work-life balance for them.

Author Bio:

Before and after you apply for a PCO driving licence, there are a tonne of things you should be aware of. The author's attention to intrinsic subjects, which cover a wide range of topics beyond online PCO applications and fees, is another plus. Continue reading to learn about important factors and parameters that will help you on the job of a taxi driver in the UK.