Private-hire drivers granted temporary TfL licences

Private-hire drivers staged a protest at TfL headquarters

Drivers affected by a technical glitch when applying for private-hire licence renewals have been now been granted temporary licences.

A new licensing system by Transport for London (TfL) is experiencing issues and has been impacting the processing times for renewals or updates.

Trade unions have said the delays have left drivers facing huge financial pressure and significant stress.

TfL has apologised and has confirmed the temporary measures. It has also postponed a proposed increase to the licensing fees.

'Left in limbo'

The App Drivers and Couriers' Union (ADCU) which has been campaigning for months said the delays had led to drivers having their cars repossessed and had pushed them into debt.

Zamur Dreni, general secretary of ADCU, said: "There can be no further delays in the issuing of these emergency licences. Our members are desperate and it has to happen now."

The GBM union said they had also had been working to find a solution.

Branch president, Simon Rush, said: "We are pleased to see TfL reconsider the licensing fee increase, particularly given the financial hardship caused by these delays.

"Drivers should never be left in limbo due to administrative issues.

"We will continue to work closely and collaboratively with TfL, with a view to getting the best outcome for our members."

A TfL spokesperson said: "The vast majority of the 123,000 drivers we license are unaffected [by the glitch]. However, we are aware that some drivers are affected and regrettably this has led to some drivers being unable to continue working.

"We apologise to these drivers and are working hard to resolve the issues and have increased the number of licensing staff who are processing and issuing licences.

"In recognition of the current situation, we will be granting short-term private hire driver licences for a period of three months in cases where a complete application has been submitted and there are no issues that require further investigation."

A meeting on a proposed increase to the licensing fee is now scheduled for 14 July.