Questions to the Mayor of London – answered at on 23 October 2019.
Are you aware that a taxi driver has reportedly recently been told in a telephone conversation with LTPH that his taxi licence is under review despite both you and TfL telling drivers that they should "empower" themselves and seek support for any well-being issue? Do you recognise that this contradicts your previous messages with regards to drivers seeking support?
Transport for London (TfL) and I have been clear that it is essential that drivers seek medical help whenever they need to. As the licensing authority and regulator for London's taxi and private hire services, TfL takes the health and wellbeing of licensees seriously and wants them to feel empowered to seek medical help.
TfL has recently published information for licensees on various ways that drivers can get the help, advice and support they need at https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/health-and-wellbeing.
Taxi and private hire applicants are required to meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards, and once licensed must tell TfL of any changes to their medical circumstances. This is to ensure the safety of licensees and their passengers. Licensees should seek treatment for any medical conditions at the earliest stage possible, to ensure they receive appropriate treatment. Licensing action is only taken if the licensee does not meet DVLA Group 2 Medical Standards, which could present a risk to customers and indeed the licensee. In the vast majority of cases, if medical help is sought and treatment is undertaken, it is unlikely that TfL will need to take licensing action.
It would be inappropriate to discuss individual licensing cases in this forum. Please provide me with details of the specific case you are referring to and I will ask TfL to investigate.