TOP DOG TALKS: IWGB postponed private hire driver protest after securing meeting with TfL Commissioner Andy Lord
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) postponed its planned protest on 5 November after securing a meeting with Transport for London’s Commissioner, Andy Lord.
The IWGB Private Hire Drivers Branch confirmed that Mr Lord agreed to meet union representatives following a year of sustained protests targeting TfL and its senior managers. The union said the decision to postpone the action was made after Mr Lord personally contacted them to discuss their concerns directly.
The meeting, set to take place next week, will focus on issues affecting thousands of private hire drivers across London. According to the IWGB, drivers continue to face financial pressure from high operator commissions, TfL licensing fees, and penalty charges. The union said it would use the opportunity to push for reforms that address what it calls “unfair costs and treatment” within the licensing system.
The IWGB has organised several high-profile demonstrations throughout 2025, including one outside a TfL-hosted industry dinner earlier this year. The union claims its continued campaign has forced senior TfL figures to engage more directly with driver representatives.
In its statement, the IWGB warned that further demonstrations could resume if no progress is made in the upcoming talks. The union said it remains prepared to “return to the streets in greater numbers than ever before” should Mr Lord fail to show a serious commitment to addressing their demands.
Separately, the union confirmed that it will hold a memorial vigil for Robert Dale on 11 November. Mr Dale, a private hire driver, died of a heart attack after what the IWGB describes as an “avoidable licensing delay” by TfL. The vigil will take place at 5pm and aims to highlight the impact of regulatory decisions on drivers’ welfare.
The IWGB said it will update members on the outcome of the meeting with Mr Lord and any next steps in its campaign.
