A Guide for PCO Drivers on Weekend Hotspots in London
Weekends bring a huge demand for private hire drivers in London. With schools and offices closed, people head out for restaurants and entertainment. This creates a steady stream of rides for PCO drivers on PCO car hire plans.
However, the demand is not the same in all areas. Some areas surge more than others at certain times. For PCO drivers, it’s important to know where to be and when on weekends in London to take advantage of high demand.
In this article, we will discuss weekend hotspots in London for private hire drivers. Let’s get started.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- London’s weekend demand patterns
- Top weekend hotspots, and more.
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London's Weekend Demand Patterns
Here’s a look at weekend demand patterns for private hire drivers in London:
Friday Demand Patterns
Demand on Friday starts building from about 5 PM onwards. Groups of colleagues head to after-work drinks. Couples enjoy early dinners before the theatre, and young people head out for nights out. This wave of demand keeps building until about 9 PM.
The next surge starts around 11 PM and runs until about 2 or 3 AM. This is when people are heading home.
Saturday Demand Patterns
Saturdays in London have a different demand pattern. The first morning wave comes from brunch crowds between around 11 AM and 1 PM. Then the demand picks up around 2 PM throughout the shopping hubs.
Demand also surges around football stadiums due to people going out for matches.
At night, restaurants start emptying around 10 PM while clubs remain open until around 5 AM. People returning home from restaurants and clubs generate steady ride demand during these hours.
Also Read: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide: Uber Peak Hours in London
Sunday Demand Patterns
Demand on Sunday starts growing from about 10:30 AM when people head out for breakfast and brunch. From 2 PM onwards, the demand grows for airport runs. Sunday evenings are full of return flights with people coming back into London after spending the weekend away. The demand starts dropping around 10 PM as people have to get up early for school and work.
Take advantage of the weekend rush in London. Hire a PCO car with Fleeto. We offer all-inclusive plans with in-house servicing to eliminate the need for third-party garages.
Top Weekend Hotspots in London by Category
This is where the demand is the highest on weekends in London:
Nightlife and Entertainment
Soho is full of theatres and restaurants
crammed into about one square mile. People here venue-hop to generate constant ride demand. The area is linked to busy zones like Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road. Drivers who operate here from 9 PM onwards can get more rides.
Airports with Weekend Travel Cycles
Heathrow Airport operates 24 hours, but the demand rises significantly on weekends. The first weekend wave starts from 4 PM onwards, as people jet off for weekend breaks to other cities or countries. However, the more lucrative wave is the return flow from Saturday late-afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Being around major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick during this period can bring you high-fare rides.
Shopping and Brunch Hotspots
Oxford Street generates significant ride demand on weekends from about noon onwards due to shoppers. Close to Oxford Street is Russell Square, where tourists often need rides to shop from around 11 AM to 6 PM on weekends. Operate from Oxford Street to neighbourhoods across zones 1 and 2 during these hours to take advantage of the consistent ride demand.|
Westfield shopping centres in East London and West London draw families from all over London from about 1 PM to 6 PM. Many people carry bags and hail rides on their way back home. Driving in these areas between 1 PM and 6 PM can bring you extra rides as well.
Also Read: Uber Driver Earnings in London: Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
Weekend hotspots in London are full of opportunities for private hire drivers on PCO car hire plans. You just need to know what drives demand and when. On Fridays, the demand is the highest in areas like Soho and Shoreditch from 10 PM to around 2 or 3 AM. On Saturdays, the demand surges twice. Once from 11 AM to 4 PM due to brunch and shopping, while the second surge happens between 8 PM and 4 AM due to restaurant-goers, events, and late-night clubs.
Sundays bring high airport demand due to people returning to London after spending their weekend away. The surge starts around 2 PM and continues until 9 PM. Make sure you take advantage of this window as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will TfL revoke my licence?
TfL may revoke your licence if you get 12 penalty points in three years or have a criminal record in recent years.
What is the most common reason PCO drivers lose their licence?
The most common reason is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some other reasons include reckless driving and medical conditions that affect your vision or ability to drive.
Is licence revocation permanent?
Yes, licence suspension is temporary, but revocation is permanent. To get a revoked licence back, you must file an application in the court within 21 years and submit evidence that your licence was revoked incorrectly.
What happens if I’m caught driving with a revoked licence?
It’s a serious offence that can get you arrested and affect your criminal record. So, avoid driving until you get your licence back.
What’s included in a DBS check?
A DBS check involves looking at your criminal history. You will fail a DBS check if your criminal record shows unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
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