The Licensing and Appeals Panel met on Wednesday 13 August 2025, and decided to suspend a private hire driver's licence for one week, after hearing that the driver had carried five passengers when the vehicle was only licensed to carry four. The panel also agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

Review of Private Hire Driver's Licence

The Licensing and Appeals Panel reviewed a private hire driver's licence, numbered 006/2025, following a complaint that the driver had carried five passengers in a vehicle licensed for only four. The agenda stated that the decision would be taken under delegated powers in accordance with paragraph 3, Part 3 of the Constitution¹. The panel considered the driver's explanation and apology, and accepted that the apology was genuine. However, the panel noted that the driver had committed an offence contrary to s.40A of the Road Traffic Act 1988², which carries a maximum penalty of £2500. The panel resolved to suspend the private hire driver's licence for one week.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda included a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information. The minutes state that Councillor Mike Taylor, Cabinet Member for Planning; and Group Leader of the Independent Alliance (Kent), moved the motion, it was seconded, and it was resolved that the press and public be excluded. The reason given was that public discussion would disclose exempt information.