Operator:
1.1. This Lost Property Policy sets out the procedures that Fair Transfer Ltd t/a Timeless Chauffeurs (the "Operator") and drivers involved in the provision of the Service must follow in order to record, store and return items left behind by clients in vehicles.
1.2. The Operator and its drivers are licensed providers within the Transport for London Taxi and Private Hire (TPH) system and must comply with all applicable private hire licensing requirements.
1.3. The purpose of this Policy is to ensure:
2.1. This Policy applies to all items left behind in the vehicle by a client during the provision of the Service.
2.2. The return of lost property does not form part of the transport contract; however, the Operator and its drivers shall take reasonable steps to return such items to their rightful owner.
2.3. Clients remain responsible for their personal belongings and are advised to check their luggage and possessions before leaving the vehicle.
3.1. The driver must check the vehicle for any lost property at the end of each journey.
3.2. If a driver finds a lost item, they must:
3.3. The driver must not retain the lost property for more than 24 hours.
4.1. The driver may return the item directly to the client where reasonably possible.
4.2. For this purpose, the driver may:
4.3. Where the item is handed over to a third party, the driver should obtain a receipt or confirmation of handover where possible.
5.1. Valuable items shall include any item of significant financial or personal value, including but not limited to:
5.2. Where such an item is found, the driver must notify the Operator without delay.
5.3. This enables the Operator to contact the client and arrange for the safe return of the item.
6.1. If the driver does not return the item directly to the owner within 24 hours, the driver must deliver the item to the Operator within that period.
6.2. Once the item has been handed over to the Operator, the driver shall no longer be responsible for its return, unless otherwise agreed between the Operator, the client and the driver.
7.1. Where a lost item is handed over to the Operator, the Operator shall:
7.2. The Operator shall maintain a register of lost property, which shall include:
8.1. Where the owner can be identified, the Operator shall attempt to notify them, including by:
8.2. Where the item is an official document (e.g. passport or bank card), the Operator may return it to the issuing authority within 72 hours.
8.3. Where the owner cannot be identified, the Operator shall retain the item for up to 12 months.
8.4. After this period, the item may be handed over to the police.
9.1. Perishable items (e.g. food or flowers) shall only be retained for as long as reasonably possible.
9.2. The Operator is not obliged to refrigerate, store or maintain such items.
9.3. Items which are:
may be disposed of by the Operator.
9.4. Other low-value items shall be retained for a minimum of 14 days.
10.1. Where a driver finds an unlawful item (e.g. weapons or drugs), they must immediately hand it over to the police or the Operator.
10.2. Such items shall not be stored or returned by the Operator.
11.1. The return of lost property does not form part of the transport contract.
11.2. Drivers must not request payment for returning lost property.
11.3. However, the client may, at their sole discretion, offer a reward.
12.1. Where a client alleges that a driver has retained a lost item, the investigation shall fall within the jurisdiction of the police.
12.2. Such reports may be made to the police and to Transport for London.
12.3. Any driver who fails to report a valuable item or take reasonable steps to return it may be subject to disciplinary action.
For enquiries relating to lost property:
Email: info@timelesschauffeurs.co.uk
Telephone: 02046382210
Policy Effective Date: 15 May 2026
Last Reviewed: 15 May 2026
Version: 1.0