On 7 July 2026 the High Court (Sweeting J) granted permission for a judicial review claim to proceed against Transport for London concerning London’s minicab drivers (Mugabo v Transport for London).
In 2025 TfL’s licencing system for minicab drivers, which covers drivers for Uber, Bolt, Freenow etc, suffered widespread and systemic failures. Carrying passengers without a licence is a criminal offence, and drivers must hold a licence in order to lawfully earn a living. The evidence before the Court at the permission hearing on 3 March 2026 was that TfL’s system had caused over 500 drivers severe problems with renewing their licence, leading to financial destitution.
The claim alleges, amongst other matters, that TfL was in breach of its duty under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 to renew licences in good time, and in any event prior to the expiry of a driver’s existing licence.
Following the grant of permission, a final hearing is expected to be held later in 2026. The case has been reported in the legal press (Local Government Lawyer, here).
Oliver Jackson acted as sole counsel for the successful claimant at the permission hearing, instructed by Ahmed Aydeed and Ralitsa Peykova at Deighton Pierce Glynn. They are supported by Alex Marshall, President of the Independent Workers of Great Britain trade union.
