After the appalling mess TfL made of driver licence renewals, and after reports that drivers and their families have been put in financial difficulty by being thrown out of work unnecessarily, finally TfL announce Important Changes to Paper Applications.
But don't start cheering yet. They've tested their new system on the grand total of 50 applicants. That's just 0.05% of the trades.
In defence of their woeful inadequacies, TfL have confessed that although the system was changed in 2013, with the introduction of new pre-printed application forms, the old forms which should have been destroyed were sent out by mistake causing delays. Now we find out, the pre 2013 forms are still finding their way into the system and are still being sent out.
This would never have been an issue had TfL retained the process of issuing temporary licenses.
But Sir Peter Hendy personally withdrew this courtesy, insisting that the public had to be kept safe from drivers between licenses saying that Taxi drivers of previous good character, could suddenly commit crimes and become unfit to licence. This from a man who liked to spend £140 an hour on prostitutes.
The solution is/was always simple...just reinstate temporary licenses....yes it really is/was that simple. No costly system changes, just a letter laying out the terms of the Transport Act 1985 sec17(7), sent to those encountering delays.
But as we all know, TfL don't do simple common sense solutions and so have decided to put a sticking plaster over a shotgun wound, AGAIN.
Notice 06/15 On Line Application Forms
As part of the ongoing modernisation of Transport for London's (TfL's) taxi and private hire licensing service, taxi and private hire drivers and applicants can now apply online, using our new online web portal at tfl.gov.uk/tph.
The new online process makes its quicker and easier to apply for both new and renewal driver licences. The system has been tested with a small number of customers in recent months and so far 50 applications have been received by this method.
Customers who would like help in any aspect of the online process can also book an appointment to visit our counter service at Chancel Street.
Appointments can be made by ringing our contact centre on 0343 222 4444.
Applications can still be submitted using the Post Office Check and Send service or directly by post.
Taxi and private hire driver and operator paper application forms
Since October 2013, new pre-printed application forms have been issued to applicants and licensees which contain personalised information relevant to the new or renewal applicant.
This allows us to speed up the application process, as we scan the forms to our system and automatically upload the content to the correct record.
However, a number of paper forms printed prior to the introduction of the new forms remain in circulation.
From 1 September 2015 all new and renewal driver and operator application forms received will need to be in the new, pre-printed format.
Any old style applications received from that date will be returned to the applicant, and they will be asked to request a new pack. {causing even more delays}
To request a new form, please visit our website at tfl.gov.uk/tph or call us on 0343 222 4444.
Helen Chapman
General Manager,
Editorial Postscipt:
Anyone else noticed that Director of LTPH John Masons replacement Peter Blake, has kept he's head down?
LTPH have had two years to remove the old style forms from their system. It is they who send out renewal packs, so how come old style forms are still in the system?
I couldn't help falling about laughing when I read the passage which said: This allows us to speed up the application process, as we scan the forms to our system and automatically upload the content to the correct record.
Hellen, try telling that to our drivers and their families who have been thrown out of work by your incompetent system.
One of my personal friends has only just got his licence back which expired in March. He was told by TfL he could not work. The irony is that when he got the renewal it was backdated.
Even if a CRB check came back with a conviction the driver can appeal, under the Transport Act his old licence is still valid until all appeals are disposed of. That's the legislation, that's the law. There is absolutely no need for driver to lose a days work.
It's time the trade orgs sorted this out on behalf of their members and the trade as a whole. The transport act says you are licensed till you receive your renewal, there is no mention of waiting for CRB checks.
This problem has been caused by TfL upgrading their system while downsizing their work force. It's gone on for far too long and time the orgs sorted it out.
Jim Thomas