Transport for London (TfL) is facing an unprecedented High Court legal battle over lengthy licence delays that have left thousands of private hire drivers unable to work for months.
The legal claim, filed by Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors (DPG) on behalf of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), seeks both a judicial review and an injunction. If successful, the case could force TfL to overhaul its licensing system, with major consequences for more than 108,000 minicab drivers in London.
Driver Left Without Income for Months
The claim centres on IWGB member Julius Mugabo, who has been unable to work since March after his private hire licence expired. Despite submitting all required documentation, TfL has yet to issue his renewal.
As the main provider for his partner and children, Mr Mugabo has faced severe financial hardship and health problems, including missed council tax payments, rent arrears, the threat of eviction, and dangerously high blood pressure requiring medication.
Speaking about his ordeal, Mr Mugabo said:
“I used to have a happy home, good health, and hope for myself and my children’s future. Because of TfL, I have lost everything. Today – after over four months with no income – I am in debt, I am unwell, and I am afraid of losing the roof over my children’s heads.
But this is not just about me, this is about the thousands of other drivers whose lives have been devastated by TfL’s inexcusable conduct. I refuse to allow TfL to get away with this destruction, and am proud to be fighting back on the frontline alongside my union – the IWGB – for justice.”
Thousands of Drivers Impacted
Mr Mugabo’s case highlights the scale of TfL’s delays. According to the IWGB, thousands of drivers have suffered devastating consequences from licence renewals being left in limbo – including car repossessions, homelessness, family breakdown, and serious health impacts.
Tragically, one driver, Robert Dale, died from a heart attack while under extreme stress after TfL failed to renew his licence.
Union Steps Up Fight
The IWGB has already staged weekly protests that forced TfL into concessions, but union leaders say court action is now essential to deliver systemic change.
Alex Marshall, IWGB President, said:
“This is the starting pistol of an unprecedented legal battle against TfL, which won’t end until we have secured accountability, compensation, and meaningful systemic change.
Instead of despairing as TfL took a bulldozer to their lives, IWGB drivers stood up, supported each other, organised protests, and put so much pressure on TfL that we achieved significant wins. Whether on the streets or in the courts, we have proved that we are a union that does whatever it takes to win justice.”
Legal Challenge Could Reshape Licensing
Ralitsa Peykova, solicitor at DPG, said the case was representative of a much wider systemic failure:
“Drivers are being left without the ability to work simply because their licences aren’t renewed on time. These are people with families to support, bills to pay, and lives that depend on being able to earn a living. The consequences have been devastating. This legal challenge isn’t just about securing urgent relief for Julius, it’s about pushing for a system that works to prevent thousands of others from being put in the same impossible position.”
The High Court will now decide whether to grant permission for a full judicial review and whether to issue an injunction ordering TfL to immediately process Mr Mugabo’s licence.
If the claim succeeds, the ruling could set a precedent, forcing TfL to reform its licensing system and potentially provide redress for drivers who have already suffered.
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