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Posted on the 9th April 2025 in PHTM News
TFL GRANTS TEMPORARY LICENCES TO EASE PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER DELAYS FEES HIKE POSTPONED
Transport for London (TfL) has agreed to issue temporary licences to private hire drivers facing significant delays in the licensing process, a move hailed as "welcome progress" by the GMB Union.
The decision comes after the union, representing the largest private hire membership in the UK, lobbied TfL and London officials to address the administrative backlog causing financial strain and stress for drivers.
TfL's agreement to grant temporary licences, contingent on drivers meeting specific criteria such as a DBS check, aims to get drivers back on the road quickly.
TfL has also postponed a planned increase in licensing fees.
Simon Rush, President of GMB Taxi & Private Hire Drivers Branch, stated: "This is very welcome progress, and we hope temporary licences will get drivers back on the road."
He added: "We are pleased to see TfL reconsider the licensing fee increase, particularly given the financial hardship that drivers have endured due to these delays.
"Drivers should never be left in limbo due to administrative issues."
The GMB Union has committed to continued collaboration with TfL to ensure the best possible outcomes for its members.
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