IWGB union calls for TfL to issue temporary private hire licences to address 'totally unacceptable' delays
Private hire drivers belonging to the IWGB Union have called on TfL to address the licensing delays that are leaving drivers unable to work for prolonged periods.
The union says delays have worsened significantly over the last few months and now represent a substantial proportion of the cases raised with them.
Transport for London (TfL) requires all private hire drivers to renew their licenses every three years. If a renewal has still not been processed by the time a licence expires, the driver is forced to stop working. The IWGB reports that many drivers are being left without the means to work even after submitting all paperwork as far as four months in advance of their expiry date.
In a letter sent to TfL, the IWGB highlighted the impact the backlog is having on drivers' lives, including severe financial hardship, stress, debt and, in some cases, destitution. To resolve the situation, the union called on TfL to; issue temporary licences for those experiencing delays; take immediate action to address the underlying cause of the delays; and meet union representatives to establish a timeline to resolve the issues.
According to the IWGB, TfL officials have agreed to sit down with representatives from the IWGB on Wednesday 19 March to discuss the issue.
Nader Awaad, Chair of the IWGB Private Hire Drivers, said: "It is totally unacceptable that drivers who have complied fully with TfL’s requirements, including paying the £310 renewal fee, are left unable to work for reasons outside of their control.
“TfL could decide tomorrow to introduce temporary licenses that tide drivers over until they address their backlog issues. Instead, they are allowing their disorganisation to push drivers into debt and destitution with no regard for the families at stake. If the Home Office can provide temporary visas to those awaiting decisions then why can’t TfL do the same for us? As drivers we have the power to resolve these issues - by confronting TfL as a group. If you’ve been affected by the delays, then get in touch and join our campaign.”
