The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Sub-Committee convened to discuss the suitability of private hire drivers. They decided to refuse a private hire driver's licence to an applicant who had previously had a licence revoked, and to allow an existing driver who had received 6 points for a driving offence to continue to hold their licence.

Private Hire Driver's Licence Application

The sub-committee considered the application of an individual who had previously had a licence revoked and refused. After interviewing the applicant, the sub-committee decided to refuse the applicant a Private Hire Drivers Licence.

The Licensing Officer, George Addlesee, advised the sub-committee to consider the objectives of the licensing regime, which are to ensure that licensed private hire drivers are safe, have good driving records and adequate experience, are sober, mentally and physically fit, honest, and would not take advantage of their employment to abuse or assault passengers.

George Addlesee also highlighted the provisions contained within the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Statutory Best Practice Taxi and Private Hire Standards. He also asked the members to consider whether they would allow a person for whom they care, regardless of their condition, to travel alone in a vehicle driven by the applicant at any time of day or night, and advised that if the answer to that question was 'no', the individual should not hold a licence.

Existing Driver with 6 Points for Driving Offence

The sub-committee interviewed an existing driver who had received 6 points for a driving offence. After interviewing the applicant, the sub-committee decided that the existing driver could continue to hold a Private Hire Drivers Licence.

George Addlesee, the Licensing Officer, reminded the sub-committee of the objectives of the licensing regime, which are to ensure that licensed private hire drivers are safe, have good driving records and adequate experience, are sober, mentally and physically fit, honest, and would not take advantage of their employment to abuse or assault passengers.

George Addlesee also highlighted the provisions contained within the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Statutory Best Practice Taxi and Private Hire Standards. He also asked the members to consider whether they would allow a person for whom they care, regardless of their condition, to travel alone in a vehicle driven by the applicant at any time of day or night, and advised that if the answer to that question was 'no', the individual should not hold a licence.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The sub-committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the items of business because it was likely that if members of the public were present there would be a disclosure to them of 'exempt information' as defined by Section 100I and Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972¹.