Nice Can Of Worms You Have There TfL, Care To Open It?

Whilst checking the Transport for London website on an unrelated transport matter, I came across this live consultation on proposed new regulations for the Private Hire Trade ('minicabs' in old money). Most of the suggestions, it seems to me, will have little impact on the public apart from raising operator/driver costs and, consequentially, increasing fares.

However, I think you'll agree that page 14 details a particular eyebrow raiser.

Driver Proposal 5

That TfL introduces a condition in private hire drivers’ licences that ‘Drivers must not make any remark of of a sexual nature to a passenger. Licensed drivers are not permitted to become involved sexually, or have sexual contact, even with consent, whilst in a licensed vehicle.’

Is this really an administrative ban on flirting and innuendo? What could possibly go wrong, eh?

And, considering the sexual contact part mentions licensed vehicles but not specifically passengers, one presumes that a driver could lose his licence if it came to light that, while off duty, he and his wife had recreated the frisky fumblings of their youth in the car that he legally owns.

Is being miserable a genetic thing for the public sector, or are they trained?