Posted on the 21st August 2025 in PHTM News

TFL IN COURT OVER PHV LICENSING FAILURES THAT PUT THOUSANDS OUT OF WORK

Transport for London (TfL) is facing a legal claim in the High Court for a judicial review into the licence delays that have kept thousands of minicab drivers out of work for months on end.

The claim, filed by Deighton Pierce Glynn Solicitors (DPG) and led by members of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), marks the start of an unprecedented legal challenge which, if successful, could force TfL to overhaul its licensing system, with wide-reaching implications for the more than 108,000 private hire drivers in London.

The application seeks permission for both a judicial review and an injunction for the High Court to order TfL to immediately issue IWGB member Julius Mugabo his licence within two days. Mr Mugabo has not been able to work since March, when his licence expired, and despite submitting all the required documentation, TfL is still yet to issue his renewal.

As the main provider for his partner and children, Mr Mugabo has faced mounting financial pressures and health issues - including missed council tax payments, the threat of eviction due to rent arrears, and dangerously high blood pressure requiring medication.

Julius is one of thousands of drivers impacted by TfL’s failure to issue licence renewals, many of whom have reported severe consequences, including car repossessions, homelessness, family breakdown, and significant mental and physical health impacts.

One driver, Robert Dale, died from a heart attack whilst under extreme stress after TfL failed to renew his licence. 

IWGB members, who have already forced TfL to make a series of concessions through weekly protests, are now leading the legal claim to secure systemic change that would ensure drivers are never again left unable to work whilst their applications are being processed.

The President of the IWGB, Alex Marshall, has submitted a statement arguing that Mr Mugabo’s treatment is indicative of wider failures at TfL, and outlining how these issues precede the current crisis, dating back to 2023. 

Julius Mugabo, the claimant, says: “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. Hopefully this injunction will finally allow me to get back to work.
 
"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. ”
 
Alex Marshall, IWGB President, says: “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. The bravery shown by Julius and every driver who has given their time and energy to this fight should serve as an inspiration to all those working in the sector.” 

Ralitsa Peykova, solicitor at DPG says: “Julius’s case is representative of a wider, deeply troubling systemic failure at TfL. 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.”


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