DfT distances itself from TfL taxi licensing delays linked to cyber attack and software rollout
- Perry Richardson
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Department for Transport (DfT) has declined to provide detailed figures on the impact of Transport for London’s (TfL) licensing disruption following a major cyber incident and the introduction of new licensing software, stating that operational responsibility rests entirely with TfL.
In a written parliamentary response published on 20 May, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the Government does not collect data on taxi and private hire licence processing times and confirmed that licensing administration remains at the discretion of local authorities.
The response came after questions from Conservative MP Greg Smith, who asked what discussions had taken place between the Department for Transport and Transport for London regarding delays caused by the rollout of new licensing software in 2025 and the wider impact of the 2024 cyber attack on taxi and private hire licence processing.
Smith also asked how many drivers had received payments under TfL’s Goodwill Payment Scheme in 2026 and the total value paid out. The Department for Transport did not provide figures on either request.
Government says private hire licensing operations in London remain solely a matter for Transport for London despite ongoing industry concerns over delays
Greenwood said: “The Department for Transport is responsible for setting the regulatory structure within which local licensing authorities in England license the taxi and private hire vehicle trades but ultimately the licensing process is left at the discretion of local authorities.”
She added that the department works closely with TfL “on a range of issues” but reiterated that “the operation of private hire driver licensing is a matter solely for them”.
The response is likely to frustrate sections of London’s taxi and private hire trades, where drivers have continued to report lengthy waits for licence renewals, application processing and compliance checks following the cyber incident that disrupted TfL systems in 2024. The later introduction of replacement licensing software in 2025 also prompted concerns from drivers and operators about further delays and administrative backlogs.
Licensing delays can have direct financial consequences for drivers unable to renew licences before expiry, potentially preventing them from legally working. Industry groups have repeatedly warned that prolonged processing times risk worsening driver shortages and operational pressures across both the taxi and private hire sectors.
While the Department for Transport stopped short of intervening directly, Greenwood pointed to existing best practice guidance issued to licensing authorities in England. She said the guidance makes clear that taxi and private hire licensing is a statutory function and authorities should consider “how best to deliver this service in a timely and efficient manner”.
