Over 100 Leeds private hire drivers held a protest outside licensing offices over UNFAIR TREATMENT

Image credit : LPHDO

Over 100 private hire drivers licensed in Leeds have held a demonstration outside taxi and private hire licensing offices in the city over what they say is unfair treatment which puts their licences at risk.

Drivers are complaining that current regulations mean they can have their vehicles taken off the road due to what they believe are "small infractions" such as minor scratches, and say they are being treated more harshly than hackney carriage drivers.

Organised by Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO), the protest took place on Tuesday 15 February.

Those who turned up to the protest were showing their support for a driver whose vehicle was refused a licence. Speaking about the incident, the unnamed driver said: "5 weeks ago I got an email from the licensing department saying they were not going to licence my car, but today the same licensing officer said he would.

"It's a victory for everyone involved. Unity is success."

Speaking after the result, Vice Chairman of the LPHDO, Zahid Mahmood said: "The message is loud and clear to all drivers, join LPHDO and stand with us.

"All these drivers saying take them to court etc etc.. we have proved to you the power of unity and protest.

"Next time maybe some more of these WhatsApp barristers can join us, remember this benefits everyone."