Drivers experiencing difficulties due to a technical malfunction while renewing their private-hire licenses have now received temporary licenses.
Transport for London’s (TfL) new licensing system is encountering problems, which have been affecting the speed of renewal and update processes.
Trade unions have highlighted that these delays are placing significant financial strain and stress on drivers.
TfL has issued an apology and confirmed the implementation of temporary measures. Additionally, they have decided to postpone a planned increase in licensing fees.
The App Drivers and Couriers’ Union (ADCU), which has been advocating for several months, reported that the delays have resulted in drivers facing vehicle repossessions and accumulating debt.
Zamur Dreni, ADCU’s general secretary, stated: “We cannot afford any more holdups in the issuance of these emergency licenses. Our members are in dire straits, and this needs immediate attention.”
The GBM union has also been engaged in efforts to resolve the situation.
Simon Rush, the union president, expressed satisfaction with TfL’s decision to rethink the fee increase, especially in light of the financial difficulties caused by these delays.
“It is unacceptable for drivers to be left waiting due to bureaucratic complications,” he remarked. “We will keep collaborating closely with TfL to ensure the best possible solutions for our members.”
A spokesperson for TfL remarked: “The majority of the 123,000 drivers we license are not impacted by this glitch. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that some drivers are affected, resulting in their inability to work.
“We apologize for the inconveniences faced by these drivers and are diligently addressing the issues. We have also increased the number of staff handling licensing processes.
“In light of the current predicament, we will issue short-term private hire driver licenses for three months to applicants with complete submissions that do not require further scrutiny.”
A discussion regarding the proposed fee increase is now set for July 14.
