TfL licence delay payments not enough, union says

"Getty Images A "goodwill payment" announced by Transport for London (TfL) to compensate taxi and private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers affected by licensing delays is "nowhere near enough", a trade union has said. TfL apologised and said a glitch in the introduction of new licensing software meant renewals for hundreds of drivers, including those for ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt, were delayed and they were kept off the road without an income."

"A TfL spokesperson said: "We're sorry that some drivers who attempted to renew their licences last year experienced disruption and delays. "To recognise the impact that these issues have had on drivers, we are introducing a one-off goodwill payment scheme for those who meet the specific criteria." Eligible drivers will not need to apply and will be contacted directly and paid by cheque. The GMB, which says it is the largest union representing taxi and private-hire drivers, welcomed the scheme."

"Eligible drivers could receive a one-off payment between 300 and 500 depending on their circumstances. The App Drivers and Couriers Union (ACDU) said some of its members ended up homeless and that it would push for "500 for every week a driver has had to wait". TfL said the majority of drivers were not affected because licences are renewed on a three-year cycle, but acknowledged some drivers who had to renew during the affected period experienced delays and disruption."

A glitch in new licensing software delayed renewals for hundreds of taxi and private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, including app drivers for Uber and Bolt, leaving some unable to work. TfL apologised and introduced a one-off goodwill payment scheme with eligible payments of 300 for taxi drivers, 310 for PHV drivers, and an enhanced 500 for drivers without a licence for more than seven days. Eligible drivers will be contacted directly and paid by cheque with no application required. The App Drivers and Couriers Union said some members became homeless and demanded 500 per week, while the GMB welcomed the payment scheme.

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