London taxi drivers protest against licence delays – insurance specialists report

October 14, 2013

Our insurance specialists have recently discovered that taxi drivers in London are now using posters of the home secretary to appeal against delays in background checks.

The Licensed Taxi Driver Association revealed that certificates proving criminal record checks can take up to 10 weeks to arrive. During this time the cabbie in question will be forced to put a hold on trading.

They would like the current process to be changed so that the Home Office sends certificates directly to Transport for London (TFL) enabling cabbies to be licensed more quickly.

Posters in protest to these delays which feature home secretary Theresa May (pictured right), will soon be seen on London black cabs as well as on advertising vans and in newspapers.

‘Unable to pay bills & feed families’

Referring to the delays Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association said: “There are currently upwards of 200 drivers out of work, unable to pay their mortgages, rent and feed their families.’

He also explained that despite writing several letters to the home secretary and other civil servants, he has had no joy in prompting a resolution to this matter.

This has obviously caused a lot of anger and frustration among the Taxi Drivers Association who have aimed their campaign against the one person they believe could resolve this issue quickly and easily (the home secretary).

Our taxi and cab insurance specialists really hope that this situation is settled as soon as possible and send our best wishes to cabbies in London who have been affected.

Click to read the article in full and see pictures of the campaign.  Continue reading our blog to keep up with other industry news or follow us on twitter @insuretaxi.

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Posted by Tim Crighton