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London Insists on English Requirement For Private Hire Drivers (reuters.com)
An anonymous reader shares a Reuters report: London's transport bosses said on Monday that all drivers of private hire vehicles must speak, listen to, read and write English to a set level, intensifying a battle with taxi app Uber which says the expected standard is too high. Earlier this year, the capital's transport authority said it would introduce the measure as part of a series of stricter rules on apps such as Uber and private hire firms like Addison Lee whilst supporting the city's iconic black cabs. The move prompted San Francisco-based Uber, which allows users to book journeys on their smartphone, to take legal action arguing that the written component was too demanding. But on Monday, regulator Transport for London (TfL) said drivers will have to take either an English proficiency test or provide proof, such as a British school qualification, that they can meet the required level.
Initially it really was for computers who were all going to the same place
Sadly, the personal transportation market for PCs just wasn't as big as they thought.
The driver could well be a deaf and dumb guy who can drive, and that would be it.
So what happens if the passenger or the driver has a medical emergency, or the vehicle is involved with in a wreck?
If the deaf and dumb driver has an accident that causes him to lose sight, I have it on good authority that he'll sure play a mean pinball.
"So what happens if the passenger or the driver has a medical emergency"
Perhaps they should require all drivers to be doctors in case a passenger unexpectedly needs a baby delivered.
Ninjas don't carry tic tacs