TfL stated in an email to the banjolele playing busker at the centre of this story....

"Unfortunately for these applications the banjo was listed as not desirable, and therefore your application was unsuccessful"

Later TfL are attributed as saying....

"Of course we haven't banned ukuleles and banjos and have would have no desire to do so to instruments with such a proud heritage"

Am I the only person confused by 'Transport for London' speaking with forked tongues here ??