Key facts
- An Uber driver, Julius Mugabo, is suing Transport for London (TfL) in the High Court over delays in his licence renewal.
- Mugabo claims the delays caused him to accrue significant debt and face severe stress.
- TfL has acknowledged that the processing of Mugabo's application did not meet its usual standards.
- The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is supporting Mugabo's challenge, citing similar issues affecting thousands of drivers.
- A High Court judge has granted a full judicial review hearing for the case.
Julius Mugabo, a 55-year-old Uber driver licensed by Transport for London (TfL) since 2016, has initiated a High Court legal challenge against the transport authority. Mugabo alleges that TfL's repeated delays in processing his private hire vehicle licence renewal caused him severe financial hardship, including a significant increase in tax debt and threats of eviction.
Under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, minicab drivers must hold a valid licence issued or renewed by TfL, which requires regular checks and renewals every three years. Mugabo's licence expired while his renewal application was pending, and he claims TfL repeatedly asked for documentation he had already provided. He stated that his licence was only renewed recently after he began legal action.
The High Court, in granting a full judicial review hearing, acknowledged that the delay caused "immediate and serious consequences" for Mugabo and his family, with TfL accepting that the processing did not meet its usual standards. Mugabo expressed his motivation for the legal challenge, stating he wants to help other drivers who have faced similar difficulties.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents private hire drivers, is supporting Mugabo's case. The union highlighted that many of its members have been affected by TfL's processing delays, leading to debt, loss of vehicles, and eviction threats. Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, criticised TfL for its handling of the situation, particularly for its predominantly migrant workforce.
Ahmed Aydeed, the solicitor representing Mugabo, stated that TfL regularly jeopardises drivers' livelihoods by failing to provide timely licence renewals, making drivers liable for prosecution if they continue to work. He emphasised that no one should lose their ability to earn a living, especially during the cost of living crisis.
Approximately 100,000 private hire drivers operate in London. Freedom of information data obtained by the Conservatives revealed that nearly 18,000 drivers have received "goodwill" payments ranging from £300 to £500 due to licence renewal delays. A TfL spokesperson confirmed awareness of the judicial review claim and is awaiting the hearing date.