Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) seeking members’ review of a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in respect of Driver No. 048126.

RESOLVED that the hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence issued to Driver No. 048126 be revoked on public safety grounds with immediate effect.

A confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) was submitted upon –

(i)            the suitability of Driver No. 048126 to hold a licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles;

(ii)          a complaint having been made against Driver No. 048126 on 23 September 2014 which was subsequently investigated by Licensing Enforcement Officers (a summary of facts together with witness statements and associated documentation had been attached to the report), and

(i)           the Driver having been invited to attend the meeting in support of his licence review and to answer members’ questions thereon.

The Senior Community Safety Enforcement Officer (TWE) presented the report and confirmed that the Applicant was not present despite being invited to attend.  Members took the opportunity to raise questions with officers regarding the facts of the case and sought clarification on a number of issues.

The committee adjourned to consider the application and it was –

RESOLVED that the hackney carriage and private hire vehicle driver’s licence issued to Driver No. 048126 be revoked on public safety grounds with immediate effect.

The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows –

The committee carefully considered the evidence presented including the nature of the complaint and use of the hackney carriage vehicle.  Members found that the Driver had behaved inappropriately and had breached his position of trust as a taxi driver and therefore considered he was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.  In addition the committee considered that his actions had brought the Council into disrepute.  In view of the nature and seriousness of the incident the committee could not be assured as to the public’s safety and determined that the licence be revoked on the grounds of public safety.

The meeting concluded at 10.35 a.m.