2,700 applications made for new taxi delicensing scheme says London Mayor
Transport for London’s new taxi delicensing scheme has had 2,700 applications made since going live in December 2018 confirmed the London Mayor. The number of applicants are seen as a “very positive” response to the new scheme and a significant increase in applications in comparison to the old delicensing scheme.
As of 4 March 2019, 2,700 applications have been made. Of these applications, 130 have passed inspection and payments have already been made, or will be shortly.
The Mayor also confirmed that a large proportion of owners applying for the scheme were fleet owners rather than driver owners respectively. Of the 168 vehicles that have been presented for a delicensing inspection as at 11 March 2019, 133 vehicles were fleet owned and 35 were driver owned. Assembly Member Keith Prince raised further questions in regards to the Taxi Delicensing Scheme asking what the timeframe for replies to drivers who have applied was and whether there was already a backlog. Sadiq Khan, London Mayor, said: “Transport for London (TfL) aims to provide an initial response to applicants within 28 days of their online application being made and is undertaking work to improve its response times. “Anyone applying for the scheme will receive an automatic response confirming receipt of their application and securing their place in a queue which will determine the amount they could receive (subject to the vehicle successfully passing a delicensing inspection). “Applicants do not need to take any further action once they have applied and received the automatic response. Their application will be processed and they will be contacted by TfL as soon as possible.” The Mayor goes on to say: “Taxi licensees can apply to TfL for a delicensing payment at any time. The taxi delicensing fund operates on a first come, first served basis and will continue until the available funds have been exhausted. “I encourage taxi owners to take advantage of this fund. TfL will work with stakeholders to ensure that this scheme is promoted to all who can benefit from it.”
Sadiq Khan Image Author: Shayan Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn
