’WE NEVER ASKED FOR THIS’: Wolverhampton Council defends its controversial role in England’s taxi and private hire licensing sector
The City of Wolverhampton Council have defended their role in private hire licensing across England with the Transport Select Committee after coming under intense industry pressure. At a recent Transport Committee hearing on 15 October , licensing officials from Wolverhampton, Transport for London (TfL), and Blackpool Council laid bare the challenges caused by the lack of a unified licensing framework, warning that current laws are outdated and enforcement powers are limited
Perry Richardson
23 hours ago5 min read
TOP DOG TALKS: IWGB postponed private hire driver protest after securing meeting with TfL Commissioner Andy Lord
Image credit: IWGB 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
Perry Richardson
24 hours ago2 min read
Helen Chapman to leave TfL after more than two decades of service overseeing taxi and private hire industry change
Transport for London’s (TfL) Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, Helen Chapman, has announced that she will leave the organisation in early 2026 after 23 years of service. Chapman, who has overseen taxi and private hire licensing during a period of major change, confirmed her decision in a LinkedIn post. She said her departure came after “an incredible 23 years working for TfL” and that it was “time for a change”. Reflecting on her career, Chapman said : “Since I
Perry Richardson
1 day ago2 min read
