The relatives of an Uber driver are expressing their concerns that the anxiety stemming from delays in renewing his private hire license may have played a role in his passing.

Robert Dale was unable to continue his work due to this delay, which occurred as a result of software issues linked to a cyber attack on Transport for London (TfL) last September.

Mr. Dale, who was 65 years old, suffered a heart attack in November—three months after he applied for the renewal of his license, which had expired a month prior.

His son believes the daily strain from this situation diminished his father’s quality of life and took a toll on his health.

As a result of the cyber attack, many drivers found themselves unable to work for extended periods, leading some to take out loans while others struggled to meet their mortgage payments.

In a recent correspondence addressed to TfL and the Mayor of London, Ben Dale, Mr. Dale’s son, explained that his father sent multiple emails pleading for the renewal of his license as the expiration date neared.

Ben noted that these pleas became increasingly urgent.

He wrote that the situation had implications for livelihoods, mental health, and, tragically, in their case, life itself.

His father had been “joyful, well-liked, and devoted,” but there was a stark change in his demeanor once he was unable to work.

“That was his primary focus every single day,” Ben recalled.

“We really felt like we were losing our dad and my mum her partner, primarily because of the intense stress he was under.”

“It was unrelenting.”

TfL has now started issuing temporary licenses “when appropriate,” yet private hire drivers continue to rally, seeking compensation for their financial hardships.

Driver Kambiz Hemati shared that he is currently “overwhelmed with debt.”

He waited four months for his license renewal and described that period as “a nightmare.”

“I couldn’t work, and my expenses continued to accumulate,” he said.

Mr. Hemati explained that he purchased an electric vehicle, as mandated by TfL, and was beginning to fall behind on the payments for it and his mortgage, raising concerns about his young son.

“I had to resort to borrowing from banks and using credit cards,” he said.

“I now owe that money back, which means I must work longer hours, leading to exhaustion. This isn’t how drivers should be treated.”

The Dale family asserts that the “shortcomings of TfL” and their “total lack of communication and acknowledgment of any wrongdoings” contributed to Mr. Dale’s decline in mental health.

His son remarked that while it’s challenging to definitively state whether the stress was the direct cause of his father’s death, he is “certain his quality of life leading up to his passing was drastically compromised.”

“He was amazing. Everyone cherished him. He was always joking and trying to bring joy to others. He genuinely cared about people,” he said.

“He had a curious nature, always wanting to know how people were doing, and he genuinely wished the best for everyone.

“Hundreds of drivers are experiencing exactly what my dad endured.”

Helen Chapman, in charge of licensing for TfL, stated that her team is “conducting a thorough review” and will address the concerns expressed by the Dale family comprehensively.

She mentioned that “some drivers have been further impacted due to the introduction of a new licensing system,” and that steps have been taken to alleviate the consequences of these delays, including hiring and training additional staff as well as issuing temporary private hire vehicle driver licenses.

A representative for the Mayor of London conveyed his “deepest sympathies and thoughts” to the Dale family, assuring them that the issues raised in their letter “will be investigated.”