‘UNACCEPTABLE DELAYS’: Taxi driver medical delays lasting MONTHS leaving cabbies unable to work
Updated: Feb 10
Licensed taxi drivers are facing prolonged delays in the processing of medical assessments, leaving many unable to work for months at a time. The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has raised concerns over the issue, urging Transport for London (TfL) and Occupational Health (OPH) to take immediate action.
Anthony Street, an LTDA executive, highlighted the case of one driver who applied for his licence renewal in July 2024. Despite following TfL’s guidance to apply four months before expiry, he has been left waiting for more than three months, unable to work due to processing delays.
The LTDA has pressed TfL to resolve the backlog, warning that the current system is failing drivers. Street acknowledged the importance of thorough medical assessments but said the delays were unacceptable. Many drivers, he said, are facing financial strain due to the slow turnaround.
Medical checks are required at set intervals throughout a taxi driver’s career, with more frequent assessments from the age of 65. The LTDA is advising drivers with existing medical conditions to submit renewal applications as early as possible to reduce the risk of extended downtime.
Despite this advice, the association recognises that early applications do not guarantee timely processing. It has pledged to continue pressing TfL and OPH for a more efficient system to ensure drivers are not left waiting indefinitely to return to work.
Anthony Street, Executive at Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), said in TAXI Newspaper: “We want to make you aware of significant delays in the processing of driver medical information by Occupational Health (OPH), which has impacted drivers applying for or renewing their licences. This has led to drivers being unable to work for extended periods, causing financial hardship.
“For example, one member applied to renew his licence in July 2024, following TfL’s guideline to apply four months before his licence’s expiry date (11/11/24). Despite his compliance and prompt submission of all the required documents, the process has faced lengthy delays, with responses from TfL and OPH stretching over three months.
“These delays are unacceptable, and we have contacted TfL to raise our concerns and urge immediate action to address the inefficiencies in the system. As a result of these delays, our member has been unable to work for nearly three months. While I understand the importance of assessing driver medicals thoroughly, particularly if concerns arise, the current timelines are unreasonably long and causing undue financial and professional hardship for drivers.
“We urge OPH and TfL to address these delays and streamline the process to prevent further impact on livelihoods. A more efficient system for handling these assessments is critical to ensuring drivers are not left unable to work for extended periods.
“Medicals are due at ages 50-56-62-65- then every very year. We strongly advise all drivers with a history of medical issues to apply for licence renewals as early as possible to minimise the risk of being unable to work due to these delays. However, we recognise that even proactive efforts may not prevent the extended waiting times currently experienced.
“We are advocating on your behalf and will continue to try to resolve these matters and improve the situation to prevent drivers being unfairly impacted.”
