DELAYS that have left thousands of minicab drivers unable to work for months while their licences are renewed are being challenged at the High Court.

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) announced today that it is backing a judicial review over “unlawful, systemic failures within Transport for London’s licensing operations.”

Union president Alex Marshall said the claim is “an unprecedented legal challenge” which could force TfL to overhaul its licensing system and save more than 108,000 private hire drivers in London from being left jobless while their applications are processed.

Lengthy waits for licence renewals have been blamed for drivers facing car repossessions, evictions and significant mental and physical health impacts, such as the death of Robert Dale from a heart attack while waiting for his licence.

Lawyers for IWGB member Julius Mugabo lodged the judicial review alongside an application for an injunction for TfL to issue his licence back within two days.

Mr Mugabo, who is the main breadwinner for his family, has not been able to work since his licence expired in March.

TfL is yet to issue his renewal even though he has submitted all the required documentation, said IWGB.

“I used to have a happy home, good health and hope for myself and my children’s future,” he said.

“Because of TfL, I have lost everything. Today — after over four months with no income — I am in debt, I am unwell and I am afraid of losing the roof over my children’s heads.

“Hopefully, this injunction will finally allow me to get back to work. But this is not just about me, this is about the thousands of other drivers whose lives have been devastated by TfL’s inexcusable conduct.

“I refuse to allow TfL to get away with this destruction, and am proud to be fighting back on the front line alongside my union, the IWGB, for justice.”

Ralitsa Peykova, solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn, said: “Julius’s case is representative of a wider, deeply troubling systemic failure at TfL.

“This legal challenge isn’t just about securing urgent relief for Julius, it’s about pushing for a system that works to prevent thousands of others from being put in the same impossible position.”

TfL was contacted for comment.