The Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) have decided to strike until 6am on Tuesday 18 January as part of an ongoing row relating to the Suitability and Convictions Policy.
The policy in question has been in place since February 2020 and could see drivers suspended for the smallest of issues. For instance, having an argument could result in a driver losing their licence altogether.
Image: Unsplash
The strike started this morning, Monday 17 January at 6am and will last a full 24 hours, until Tuesday 18 January.
Recent interviews and a demonstration at Leeds Civic Hall have suggested that drivers that are part of the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation feel that they are being unfairly treated.
A spokesperson for the LPHDO stated that the council can "get away with anything", yet if a taxi driver has an argument with a drunk customers that gets out of hand, by no fault of the taxi driver, the driver is put in an impossible decision. The spokesperson asked in this situation, do they put up with the abuse out of fear of losing their licence for talking back or do they stand up for themselves, which at the moment, could result in loss of a licence.
Image: Unsplash
With regards to the Suitability and Convictions policy, Leeds City Council issued this statement.
"Throughout the consultation, councillors have met with trade representatives to listen to their views and ensure they are kept informed of progress. The council is committed to consultation at all levels and will always be prepared to listen and reply to any areas of concern raised by the trade in a constructive manner."
The argument between the council and the LPHDO is the cause of the strike. / Image: Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for resources Councillor Debra Coupar said:
“We have been made aware of the proposed strike action on Monday by the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO). Our priority is to minimise the impact of this proposed action especially on vulnerable adults and children as much as we can, and to make sure everyone who may be affected is aware of the situation and any potential disruption, with solutions being identified where possible.
“We would ask the Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) to reconsider their planned action, and continue their dialogue with us over the proposed accumulation of minor motoring convictions criterion of the suitability policy in order to achieve a positive outcome for all parties.”
Time will tell if the strike affects the policy in place.
Feature Image- Unsplash
Leeds
Major DJ has set cancelled as overcrowding concerns continue at Leeds Festival
After closing for the entire second day, The Warehouse stage at Leeds Festival has once again been forced to evacuate.
One of the most anticipated dance acts of the day has been cancelled due to health and safety concerns just moments before the set.
Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa was due to take to The Warehouse stage today at 1:30pm, but the set was cancelled due to overcrowding.
It's not the first time this has happened at Leeds Festival 2026, as yesterday Omar+'s set was cancelled due to the same issue and the stage was subsequently closed for the rest of the day.
The Warehouse stage is completely new for this year, and supposedly is designed specifically for dance music...which is quite ironic.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Silva Bumpa said: "So so sorry Leeds Fest but due to over crowding my set was cancelled last min I was just behind the stage and got told right before such a massive shame."
Prospa, another prominent DJ who's set was cancelled at Reading on Friday afternoon, spoke up on the situation: "We are disappointed in The Warehouse stage closure at Reading Festival. We were told it wasn't possible to play whilst on the way. This was due to too many people outside the stage.
"We have seen this happen before at larger festivals in the UK. It's time to double the capacity of tents or put dance music on the main stage."
It comes after another dance stage, LS23, was closed mid-set last night due to a health and safety hazard when all the lights suddenly switched off and ravers were forced to evacuate.
If yesterday is anything to go by, we wouldn't be surprised if The Warehouse was closed for the rest of the day which means anticipated sets from Rossi and Mall Grab will also be cancelled.
‘Actually lost for words’ – huge artist speaks out as Leeds Festival set is cancelled due to overcrowding
Clementine Hall
For the second day in a row, a huge set has been cancelled due to overcrowding at Reading and Leeds Festival.
Day two of the festival and there's some pretty disappointed ravers hanging their head as one of the biggest dance music sets of the day is cancelled.
Omar+, a rising British electronic DJ and producer, was due to play on the brand-new Warehouse stage at Reading yesterday and Leeds today.
Yesterday's set was cancelled last minute due to overcrowding, and low and behold the same has happened here in Leeds.
Announcing the sad news to his story, Omar+ said "Actually lost for words. My Leeds set has been cancelled due to overcrowding."
He then went on to show a screenshot of a text message, reading: "I've never seen something like this in my entire life where two shows back to back are cancelled due to overcrowding."
The Warehouse stage is completely new for this year, and supposedly is designed specifically for dance music...which is quite ironic.
Prospa, another prominent DJ who's set was cancelled at Reading yesterday, spoke up on the situation: "We are disappointed in The Warehouse stage closure at Reading Festival. We were told it wasn't possible to play whilst on the way. This was due to too many people outside the stage.
"We have seen this happen before at larger festivals in the UK. It's time to double the capacity of tents or put dance music on the main stage."
It comes after another dance stage, LS23, was closed mid-set last night due to a health and safety hazard when all the lights suddenly switched off and ravers were forced to evacuate.
Sophie Smith -
17th January 2022 
