The Licensing Panel of Stratford-on-Avon District Council met on 17 September 2025 to consider a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence extension for Mr Mohammed Sayeed, and the fitness and propriety of a dual licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver. Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, was scheduled to chair the meeting. Councillors Ian Shenton and Sarah Whalley-Hoggins were also listed as attendees.

Fitness and Propriety of a Driver

The panel was scheduled to consider the fitness and propriety of a dual licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council. The agenda noted that the public may be excluded from this part of the meeting, as it may involve the disclosure of exempt information.

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Extension

The panel was scheduled to consider an application from Mr Mohammed Sayeed for the renewal of a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence for vehicle registration number SF12 GJV. According to the Public Reports Pack, the vehicle exceeds the maximum age set out in the council's policy.

Mr Mohammed Sayeed was seeking an extension to his Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence for plate number 37. The vehicle is a red Peugeot Partner Tepee, first registered on 4 April 2012, and first licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Licensing Team on 25 March 2015.

The report pack noted that the vehicle is outside the 12-year age policy for Hackney Carriage vehicles that are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). Mr Mohammed Sayeed was seeking a further 12-month extension, stating he is unable to replace the vehicle due to financial constraints. The Licensing Panel had granted Mr Mohammed Sayeed a 12-month extension in July 2024.

The report pack stated that all WAV vehicles can benefit from an extension to the maximum age policy for a vehicle to 12 years, but Mr Mohammed Sayeed's vehicle was already 13 years and 3 months old.

The report pack outlined options available to the Licensing Panel:

• To renew Mr Mohammed Sayeed's Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence for a further 12 months.
• To renew the licence for a period of time the Licensing Panel considers fit.
• To refuse the application for renewal.

The report pack noted that licensed vehicles over 36 months old are required to undergo a MOT and Taxi Tests every six months. It also noted that Mr Mohammed Sayeed had missed some of these tests, but had met the requirements with tests carried out on 15 January 2025 and 24 June 2025.

The report pack also noted some implications of the proposal:

• Legal/Human Rights Implications: Every application must be considered on its own merits, with regard to the interests of both the public and the applicant. The council's policy on vehicle age aims to ensure licensed vehicles are safe, reliable and comfortable. The applicant can appeal the decision to the Magistrates' Court within 21 days.
• Council Plan: Licensed drivers and vehicles are integral to the transport system for residents and visitors. The council aims to respond to the climate emergency and nurture a thriving, innovative and inclusive economy.
• Environmental/Climate Change Implications: The council encourages the use of electric or hybrid vehicles, but the choice remains with the individual. The vehicle in question was registered in 2012 and does not meet the latest emissions standards. The Euro emission standard¹ for the vehicle is Euro 5, while the newest is Euro 6.
• Health and Wellbeing: Newer vehicles are more efficient and have less impact on health and the environment.