The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee of Cornwall Council met on Friday 21 August 2026 to consider applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences. The committee granted licences to two applicants, WD239 and WD232, after reviewing their driving records and personal circumstances. The licence of E1D223 was revoked with immediate effect due to concerns about public safety, and a new application from WD238 was refused.

Applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences

The committee considered four applications related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences.

Application for WD239 Granted

The committee granted a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence to applicant WD239. The decision was made after reviewing the applicant's driving endorsements, which included a speeding offence from 11 July 2023 that resulted in a 28-day driving disqualification. The council's policy states that penalty points remain active for three or ten years, and disqualifications can lead to a five-year licensing ban. However, the committee noted that the disqualification was not for totting-up and that WD239 had since completed an advanced driving course and a taxi assessment course. On balance, the committee considered WD239 to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

Application for WD232 Granted

Applicant WD232 was also granted a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence. The committee reviewed the applicant's convictions, including driving offences, and received a response from HR Safeguarding stating they had no concerns regarding WD232's suitability. After hearing from WD232 about the circumstances of their offending and their previous career history, the committee concluded that they were a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

Review of Licence for E1D223 - Licence Revoked

The committee resolved to revoke the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence of E1D223 with immediate effect. This decision was made under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to promote public safety. The report detailed E1D223's conduct, and the committee determined that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. A key factor in the decision was the driver's responsibility for ensuring their vehicle was insured, and E1D223 had been driving without insurance. E1D223 had also received a warning letter in May 2024 for having three points on their licence. The committee stated that they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by E1D223 at any time.

Application for WD238 Refused

The application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant WD238 was refused. The committee reviewed the applicant's previous convictions and a report from another licensing authority that raised serious questions about WD238's suitability. The committee concluded that WD238 was not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence and that there was reasonable cause to refuse the application, citing their overriding duty to protect the public.