TfL licensing has recently come under fire, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan openly questioning whether its taxi and private hire licensing department is “fit for purpose”. After months of frustration for hundreds of taxi and private hire drivers experiencing unprecedented delays, Khan’s comments echo growing industry discontent.
What’s Behind the TfL Delays?
The issues stem from a significant cyber-attack on TfL in late 2023. This security breach severely disrupted internal systems, leaving tens of thousands of emails unanswered and hundreds of drivers unable to renew their licences. Nearly 500 drivers now find themselves in professional limbo, without clarity on their licence status, despite submitting all required documentation.
London Assembly Transport Committee Chair Elly Baker recently raised this at Mayor’s Question Time, highlighting the extent of TfL taxi licensing delays in 2025. Baker noted the issues weren’t due to criminal or medical checks but purely administrative failures, an unacceptable scenario for drivers who depend on their vehicles for their livelihoods.
Sadiq Khan Calls for Reform
In response to these ongoing problems, Mayor Khan expressed his own frustration, stating that the current situation was “unacceptable.” Recognising the severity, he revealed that he is actively considering whether TfL’s private hire and taxi licensing processes require major reform.
“It is unacceptable the way Assembly Members and drivers and representative groups have been treated,” Khan admitted openly, highlighting the need for a system overhaul. Khan’s pledge for reform has resonated strongly with the industry, which has long argued that TfL licensing systems are outdated and unresponsive.
The Impact of TfL Cyber-Attack Licensing Backlog
The cyber-attack has shone a harsh light on TfL’s operational vulnerabilities. Delays resulting from this incident continue to severely affect drivers, with some cases stretching back nearly a year. These London taxi licence renewal problems are not just administrative headaches; they directly threaten drivers’ livelihoods.
Driver groups continue to criticise TfL’s slow response to clearing the backlog, highlighting the ongoing damage caused to drivers’ incomes and mental health. As licensing delays persist, drivers increasingly demand accountability and transparency from TfL.
What Could TfL Licensing Reform Mean?
Sadiq Khan’s TfL licensing reform proposals could introduce more streamlined processes, enhanced digital security measures, and clearer communication channels, benefiting thousands of London taxi and private hire drivers. These changes are urgently needed to restore confidence among drivers and rebuild TfL’s reputation.
As discussions continue, the hope is that these reforms will ensure that TfL licensing is genuinely ‘fit for purpose’ and finally delivers efficiency, clarity, and reliability.
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