London minicab drivers lose licences over drink, drugs and sex offences

Almost 500 private‑hire drivers in London had their licences revoked last year, with cases ranging from serious sexual offences to drink‑ and drug‑driving, according to newly released Transport for London data.

A freedom of information request showed that 17 private‑hire drivers lost their licences for serious sexual offences. Two black‑cab drivers were removed from the road for the same reason. Another 23 private‑hire drivers were disqualified following drink‑ or drug‑driving offences, alongside two black‑cab drivers. Three private‑hire licences were revoked after incidents involving death by dangerous driving.

Of the 494 private‑hire disqualifications, the largest share fell under “other” driving‑related offences. TfL also revoked 54 black‑cab licences, half of them linked to drivers failing age‑related medical checks.

A total of 82 private‑hire drivers had their licences rescinded after being arrested or charged with a serious offence. One licence was revoked for possession of a weapon. TfL also removed a black‑cab licence in a case involving false identity.

TfL can suspend or revoke a licence immediately if it believes a driver poses a risk to public safety, even before a charge or conviction. Decisions may change as investigations progress, but the regulator can act independently of police or court outcomes under its “fit and proper” framework.

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said the situation had become “a bit of a lottery” for passengers. “You can get lucky and be safe or you can get unlucky and not be safe. The standards are atrocious, they’re not being enforced properly and it should be a concern to everybody,” he said.

All licensed taxi and private‑hire drivers must pass DBS checks and medical assessments, with black‑cab drivers also required to complete the Knowledge of London. Concerns about unlicensed and fraudulent private‑hire vehicles have grown in recent years, with driver identity remaining a contentious issue in London’s transport debate.

In October, the London Assembly called for a cap on private‑hire licences amid concerns about the impact of app‑based operators such as Uber, Bolt and Freenow on traditional taxis, driver welfare and road safety. More than 106,000 private‑hire drivers are currently licensed by TfL.

McNamara said many private‑hire drivers were working long hours for low pay, creating conditions where “people take chances”. He urged passengers to verify vehicle and driver details before travelling.

Uber said that using false documents was a criminal offence and prohibited on its platform. “While rare, any instances of this will result in permanently losing access to the app,” the company said, adding that it continues to invest in safety features and welcomed TfL’s licence renewals in 2022 and 2024.

TfL was approached for comment.