Paddington rank queues, Gatwick penalties and DBS renewals among latest warnings for London’s black cab drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has urged London taxi drivers to pay closer attention to a series of administrative and operational issues that could result in unnecessary costs, penalties and disruption to their work.
In the latest edition of its TAXI newspaper, LTDA Executive S.O. Paul Kirby outlines several areas where cabbies are continuing to encounter avoidable problems. Kirby writes: “There’s a lot to take note of at the moment, so please take a minute to make sure you’re fully aware of what’s going on and, specifically, what requires your attention.”
One of the main concerns centres on activity at the official Paddington Station taxi rank. The LTDA reminds drivers that both lanes should be used while queuing to maximise capacity and reduce congestion. Kirby explains: “When inside the station can you please use BOTH lanes and move up when there is space. Leaving gaps has a knock-on effect and means drivers are waiting as far back as the roundabout on Harrow Road.”
He adds that ongoing works on Bishop’s Bridge have already created congestion and says both Transport for London and Westminster City Council are monitoring the area.
The association has also highlighted problems surrounding annual DBS subscription payments. According to the LTDA, some members have been forced to complete entirely new DBS applications after missing their annual £16 renewal payment.
Kirby warns: “We are receiving far too many members having to re-do a complete DBS application due to failing to make the £16 annual DBS Update payment.” He adds that this is “costing drivers extra and unnecessary hard-earned money.”
The guidance explains that if the payment card originally registered with the DBS Update Service remains valid, drivers do not need to take any action when the reminder email arrives around 28 days before payment is due. However, where a payment card has been replaced, expired or reported lost, drivers must update the details using the reminder email.
The LTDA warns that if this is not done, “the subscription will be cancelled and it cannot be reversed”, encouraging members to set reminders to avoid unnecessary expense.
Airport access charges also feature prominently in the advice. The LTDA says it has seen Penalty Charge Notices issued to drivers dropping passengers at the Premier Inn Hotel near Gatwick North Terminal. Kirby states: “We have seen PCNs being issued for dropping at this hotel.”
The article explains that the only route to the hotel passes through Gatwick Airport’s drop-off zone and that, “whether you drop off or only pass through it, it’s the same thing”. Drivers are therefore advised to pay the Gatwick drop-off charge to avoid receiving what the LTDA says could be a £60 fine.
The association has also raised concerns over Transport for London autopay settings. It says a small number of licensed taxi drivers have been incorrectly charged for the Congestion Charge, ULEZ or Silvertown Tunnel because they have created TfL autopay accounts. Kirby advises: “If you have a TfL licensed taxi, then you should NOT link it to an autopay account for anything TfL-related. This will prevent you from being wrongly charged.”
The LTDA notes that this advice does not apply to airport payment systems, which operate separately.
The guidance reflects the range of operational issues facing London’s licensed taxi trade, with the LTDA encouraging drivers to remain vigilant over licensing administration, payment systems and local traffic arrangements to avoid unnecessary financial penalties and disruption to their business.
