Transport for London has added new rules on money owed to the authority to its taxi and private-hire driver licensing policy, affecting both applicants and existing licence holders.
Version 6.0 of TfL’s London taxi and PHV driver policy was issued on 1 September 2026. Its version-control record identifies new sections covering money owed to TfL by applicants and by drivers who already hold licences.
New and renewal applicants for London taxi and PHV driver licences must declare that they do not owe money to TfL. The declaration includes outstanding Congestion Charge and ULEZ payments, as well as fines.
TfL says giving false information in a taxi or PHV driver licence application is a criminal offence. If an applicant makes a false no-debt declaration, receives a licence and the debt remains unpaid, TfL says it will consider whether to suspend or revoke that licence.
A single unpaid Penalty Charge Notice will not necessarily prevent an applicant from being licensed. However, TfL says repeated failure to pay lawfully issued penalties, or failure to comply with a court order requiring payment, can be treated as evidence relevant to whether a person is fit and proper to hold a licence.
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When considering an applicant who owes money, TfL may take account of the amount outstanding, how long it has been unpaid, whether there is a pattern of non-payment and whether an appeal remains live. It may also consider efforts made to pay, proposed repayment arrangements, proof that payment has been made and other mitigating information.
TfL may refuse an application where, after considering the circumstances, it concludes the applicant is not fit and proper. The policy does not set a fixed number of unpaid PCNs or a monetary debt level that automatically leads to licensing action.
For current licence holders, unpaid money arising during the licence period is relevant to continued fitness to hold a London taxi or PHV driver licence. Licensed drivers who repeatedly incur unpaid PCNs or fines, or do not comply with a court payment order, may face licensing action.
The updated policy also states that court costs awarded to TfL after an appeal against a licensing decision must be paid before a new or renewal application will be considered.
TfL says its driver policy is kept under review and that amendments, including those reflecting legal or regulatory changes, will be published where appropriate. The authority says it will, wherever possible, apply new licensing policies immediately.
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