A taxi driver licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council has had his dual driver and private hire operator licence suspended for a period of three months following multiple breaches of licence conditions.
At a meeting in November last year, the District Council's Licensing Panel determined that the 46 year old Stratford-upon-Avon driver had failed to comply with essential vehicle testing requirements, had poor record keeping practices, and had continued to breach conditions despite several written warnings. The driver had also submitted vehicles for MOTs which subsequently failed, in further contravention of licence expectations.
The Licensing Panel emphasised that its paramount consideration is passenger safety, and that it must be satisfied that any licensed driver is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. This duty aligns with the Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards (July 2020), which require licensing authorities to uphold strict standards of safety and compliance.
In addition to the suspension, the Panel recommended that the driver:
- Demonstrate what systems he will implement to ensure all paperwork is submitted within required timeframes.
- Undertake daily checks on his vehicles.
- Reacquaint himself with the policies and conditions relating to Private Hire Vehicles, Hackney Carriage Vehicles, and Private Hire Operator licences.
Although the decision is subject to appeal at the Magistrates' Court within 21 days of the notice being served, the driver has chosen not to appeal, and the suspension has now commenced.
Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, said: "Public safety is of vital importance when considering whether a driver is fit and proper to hold a licence. The standard of vehicle safety is critical, and licensed vehicles undergo regular testing to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. The standard of this driver's behaviour has fallen below what is expected by the District Council."
You can view the full minutes of the Licensing Panel meeting on our website here.
