Taxi and Private-Hire Drivers in England to Receive £500 Goodwill Payment Amid Licence Delays
Transport for London (TfL) has announced a new scheme offering goodwill payments of up to £500 to taxi and private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers across England who have been impacted by significant licensing delays. This initiative aims to provide financial compensation for motorists who faced disruptions while renewing their licences, though trade unions argue that the amount may not be sufficient to cover the hardships endured.
Details of the Goodwill Payment Scheme
Eligible drivers could receive a one-off payment ranging from £300 to £500, depending on their specific circumstances. To qualify, drivers must meet the following criteria:
- Be an existing taxi or PHV driver whose renewed licence was issued between September 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
- Have successfully applied to renew their licence and remain licensed.
- Have experienced a period where they were not licensed due to delays.
- Have passed any mandatory driver assessments before their licence expired.
A TfL spokesperson expressed regret over the disruptions, stating, "We're sorry that some drivers who attempted to renew their licences last year experienced disruption and delays. To recognise the impact that these issues have had on drivers, we are introducing a one-off goodwill payment scheme for those who meet the specific criteria."
Union Responses and Calls for Greater Compensation
While the GMB union has acknowledged the payment as a step in the right direction, the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ACDU) has criticised the amount as inadequate. Steve Garelick, an organiser for the GMB union, commented, "The payment scheme will go some way to addressing the financial impact of the licensing delays. We would like to thank TfL for working constructively with us, first to deal with the delays and now to provide a goodwill payment."
In contrast, an ACDU spokesperson argued, "The so-called goodwill payment of £500 is nowhere near enough to compensate drivers for the suffering they have endured as a result of these delays." The union is pushing for £500 for every week a driver had to wait, noting that some members faced severe consequences, including homelessness. Uber driver Abdullahi highlighted the personal impact, telling the BBC, "This is our livelihoods, it's how we support our families."
Broader Implications and Future Steps
This development underscores ongoing challenges in the transport sector, particularly for gig economy workers reliant on timely licensing. The scheme reflects efforts by authorities to address administrative failures, but it also raises questions about the adequacy of support for affected individuals. As drivers navigate these payments, unions continue to advocate for enhanced measures to ensure fair compensation and prevent similar issues in the future.
