Taxi and private hire driver pay, workers’ rights and conditions concerns “are a matter for specialist tribunals”, says Mayor of London
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
The Mayor of London distanced himself from key issues affecting taxi and private hire drivers after offering limited action in response to growing complaints over congestion, pollution and falling driver wages.
As part of June’s Mayor’s Question Time, Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari pressed the Mayor on what steps he would take to create a fairer system in light of the sharp rise in private hire vehicles operating in the capital.
In his written response, the Mayor pointed to the recent publication of Transport for London’s Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan (2025), which sets out general priorities for the industry. However, when addressing concerns about pay and workers’ rights, he deflected responsibility, stating these matters are for specialist tribunals.
The Mayor did however outline the creation of a Private Hire Vehicle Taskforce, aimed at improving access to toilets, kitchens and rest spaces for private hire drivers. While the facilities have been welcomed in principle, some critics might argue that this focus is failing to tackle the deeper issues impacting drivers.
Bokhari and others in the sector have consistently raised concerns over how unchecked growth in private hire licensing is driving down earnings and adding to London’s traffic and pollution. Industry figures argue that without limits on numbers or clearer employment protections, conditions for both taxi and private hire drivers will continue to deteriorate.
The Mayor maintained his commitment to improving London’s air quality but offered no new policies in this exchange to address the link between rising vehicle numbers and environmental concerns shared by the Assembly Member.
Khan said: “Transport for London has recently published a Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan (2025) that sets out key priorities for the taxi trade and the private hire industry, including delivery timescales.
“As stated in Mayor’s Question 2025/1014 and Mayor’s Question 2025/2107 workers’ rights, pay and conditions are a matter for specialist tribunals.
“However, I have made a commitment to create a Private Hire Vehicle Taskforce to examine what can be done to support private hire drivers in London, for example, by providing access to toilets, kitchen facilities and somewhere they can rest.
“My record on cleaning up the capital’s air is well documented.”
