COSTLY DELAYS: Union weighs up legal action over TfL private hire licence delays pushing them out of work
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
GMB Union is considering legal action against Transport for London (TfL) after what it describes as prolonged and costly delays in processing private hire driver licence renewals.
The union says dozens of its members have faced loss of income as a result of being unable to work for extended periods. Some drivers were reportedly off the road for months, despite submitting required documents on time.
GMB has raised concerns about TfL’s systems for some time, calling them inadequate. Issues include licence submissions being wrongly marked as invalid and repeated requests to upload documents already submitted.
Steve Garelick, GMB Regional Organiser, said the licensing delays had caused serious disruption. Problems with the licensing process have included private hire drivers uploading valid documents, only for their vehicle licences to be flagged as invalid soon after. Others have received duplicate requests for paperwork already provided.
GMB, which represents the largest number of private hire drivers in the country, has contacted both Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, and Andy Lord, TfL Commissioner, demanding urgent intervention.
Garelick said: “We understand the severe impact that TfL’s licensing delays have had on our members’ livelihoods.
“TfL has previously acknowledged that some drivers were impacted by system issues.
“However, this public acknowledgement does not address the financial stress they have suffered.
“GMB is committed to exploring every avenue to seek redress for those who have been unfairly affected.”
