The Licensing and Regulatory Sub-Committee met on 3 October 2025 to discuss several requests related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, including applications for vehicle licence extensions, a new Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence for a vehicle over 5 years old, and a request for a small plate for a private hire vehicle. Due to a previous meeting on 27 August 2025 being inquorate, these items were brought forward for discussion and decision.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licence Extensions

The sub-committee considered several requests for Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Extensions. The council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy states that vehicles presented for subsequent licensing are required to be under 10 years old, but the council can use its discretion to continue to licence vehicles older than this, provided they are in good condition and pass the appropriate testing standards.

Red Vauxhall Zafira - MX15 JHV - H077

The sub-committee considered a request for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Extension for a further 12 months for a Red Vauxhall Zafira with registration MX15 JHV - H077, belonging to Mr Benjamin Clement. The vehicle was first registered on 28 April 2015, making it 10 years and 3 months old at the time of the request. The MOT was valid until 5 August 2026, with two minor defects and four advisories. A vehicle inspection was booked for 22 August 2025.

Mr Clement requested the extension, stating:

This vehicle has always been well maintained and is in great condition for its age. It also had 2 years out of its working life due to COVID 19 so it doesn't have the mileage I would expect from a taxi of this age.

Grey Ford Galaxy - WA64 VDN – H037

The sub-committee considered a request for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Extension for a further 12 months for a Grey Ford Galaxy with registration WA64 VDN – H037, belonging to Mr Luke Mason. The vehicle was first registered on 1 September 2014, making it 10 years and 11 months old at the time of the request. The MOT was valid until 22 July 2026, with several advisories. A vehicle inspection took place on 11 August 2025 and the vehicle failed.

Mr Mason requested the extension because:

I don't have enough funds to buy a new car without getting a loan, plus the car is in good condition to carry on as a taxi

Silver Skoda Octavia - WJ13 KVX – H444

The sub-committee considered a request for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Extension for a further 12 months for a Silver Skoda Octavia with registration WJ13 KVX – H444, belonging to Mr Chris Leathlean. The vehicle was first registered on 15 May 2013, making it 12 years and 3 months old at the time of the request. The MOT was valid until 31 August 2026, with one advisory. A vehicle inspection took place on 14 August 2025 and passed with one advisory.

Mr Leathlean requested the extension, stating:

The vehicle is still in a very good condition for it's age. It's 100% reliable and never let me down. I look after it, keep it clean and service it regularly.

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence for Vehicle Over 5 Years

The sub-committee considered a request for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence for a vehicle over 5 years old, registration SO65 LNY Kia Optima, belonging to Mr Sami Barakat. The vehicle was first registered on 29 December 2015, making it 9 years and 10 months old at the time of the request. The MOT was valid until 26 September 2026, with 4 advisories. A vehicle inspection was booked for 23 September.

Mr Barakat requested the licence, stating:

The vehicle has been licenced as a Taxi in Teignbridge District in the past years, but due to family issues, the licence has not been renewed on time. The vehicle is in very good condition, and due to changes into my family's situation, I would need it to become a taxi, again.

The council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy states that vehicles presented for initial licensing are required to be under five years old at first registration.

Request for a Small Plate for a Private Hire Vehicle

The sub-committee considered a request for a small plate for a private hire vehicle, Silver Ford Focus, FD21 DXU – P765, belonging to Mr James Westmore.

Mr Westmore requested a private hire sticker instead of a private hire plate, stating:

This vehicle is mainly used for airports and seaports journey. Many of my current customers very much like this car- I personally would consider this car to be executive looking.

The council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy states that the licensing plate identifying the vehicle as Hackney Carriage or Private Hire shall be securely fixed to the outside rear of the vehicle in a position as approved by the Council whilst the vehicle is being used for hire purposes and shall be kept fully visible and legible at all times. Small plates have previously been granted for specialist vehicles when the main use has been for weddings and special occasions.