The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee convened to address several applications and reviews related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences. The committee refused applications for the grant of licences for Applicant E1D177 and Applicant WD204, as well as applications for renewal of licences for Applicant WD205 and Applicant WD206. The committee granted the application for renewal of a licence for Applicant CD284, and took no further action in respect of Applicant E1D209's licence.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Application for Applicant WD204 Refused

The committee refused the application for the renewal of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for Applicant WD204. Members noted that WD204 had failed to disclose all the points on their licence as part of their application, and had also failed to notify the council that they had been disqualified from driving for 28 days whilst holding a taxi licence. The committee concluded that they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD204, and therefore did not consider WD204 to be a fit and proper person to be a licensed driver.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Review for Applicant WD205 - Licence Revoked

The committee resolved to revoke WD205's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence with immediate effect. The decision was made under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, citing the promotion of public safety due to allegations regarding the conduct of driver WD205, including information from the applicant's employer, and the matters set out in the report. The committee noted complaints received in 2019, 2023 and 2025 relating to the manner of WD205's driving, including allegations of dangerous driving and allegations regarding the taxi smelling of weed. The committee noted that WD205 had failed to attend the meeting and had not responded to efforts to contact them. The committee concluded that they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD205, and that it was reasonable and proportionate to revoke WD205's Licence with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Review for Applicant WD206 - Licence Revoked

The committee resolved to revoke WD206's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence with immediate effect, under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. The decision was made to promote public safety due to information received regarding WD206's medical issues, with the committee feeling there was insufficient evidence to show that WD206 met the required Group 2 medical standards¹. Members also considered a video of WD206's driving and were concerned by it. The committee noted that WD206 had failed to attend the meeting and had not responded to efforts to contact them to clarify whether they were fit to drive and whether they met the Group 2 Medical Standards. The committee concluded that they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD206, and that it was reasonable and proportionate to revoke WD206's Licence with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Application for Applicant E1D177 Refused

The committee refused the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for Applicant E1D177, as they did not consider them to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. Members noted the applicant's convictions from April 2022 relating to previous applications for a taxi licence, and that the applicant had failed to declare the offences on their application form. Members noted that the council's policy stated that for an offence such as this a licence should not be granted until at least 7 years have elapsed since the completion of any sentence imposed. Members noted that HR Safeguarding had stated that they deemed the applicant was not suitable to be granted a licence. The committee concluded that they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by E1D177, and therefore felt that it was appropriate to refuse the application.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Renewal Application for Applicant CD284 Granted

The committee resolved to grant the application for the Renewal of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for Applicant CD284, as they considered them to be a fit and proper person to hold such a Licence. Members noted the details regarding the endorsement on CD284's licence for using a vehicle that was uninsured and that the endorsement had been received during their licence period but that CD284 had not notified the local authority of the endorsement. Members noted that the Policy refers to an offence of no insurance meaning that a licence will not be granted until at least 7 years have elapsed since the completion of any sentence imposed. However, having heard from the applicant, Members felt that it was appropriate to depart from their Policy in respect of this specific matter due to it being a one off relating to his private vehicle and not related to a taxi, his explanation that it was for a short period of time and that it was a genuine mix up due to having 5 vehicles insured and not renewing the insurance for one vehicle only. The committee concluded that they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by CD284, and therefore felt that it was appropriate to grant the application. The committee also strongly advised CD284 to ensure that he reads all paperwork received relating to his role as a taxi driver and to ensure that he understands and complies with the conditions in respect of his role as a licensed taxi driver.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence Review for Applicant E1D209 - No Further Action

The committee resolved that no further action be taken in respect of E1D209's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence, as they consider E1D209 to be a fit and proper person to hold such a Licence and therefore consider there to be no reasonable cause to take any action in respect of the licence. Members heard from E1D209 in respect of the matters before them and, on balance, felt that the explanation given by E1D209 was acceptable. Members also had regard to the information provided in support of E1D209 by his employer. The committee concluded that they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by E1D209, and felt that it was reasonable and proportionate to take no further action.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the applications and reviews for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences, on the grounds that they would be likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information relating to an individual.