The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee of Cornwall Council met on Friday 6 March 2026 to consider several applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences. The committee refused three applications and revoked one licence, citing concerns about public safety and the applicants' suitability.

Applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences

The committee considered multiple applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences.

Application for WD221

The committee refused the application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant WD221. The decision was based on the committee's assessment that WD221 was not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. This decision was influenced by a conviction for an offence of violence, or connected with violence, for which the guidelines state a licence will not be granted until at least 10 years have elapsed since the completion of any sentence imposed. The applicant fell within this timeframe. Additionally, HR Safeguarding indicated that they did not consider WD221 to be suitable at this time. The committee considered whether they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD221 and concluded they would not, prioritising public safety.

Application for CD296

The application for a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant CD296 was refused. The committee determined that CD296 was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. This decision was made after noting that CD296's most recent licence had been suspended in December 2024 following information from the Probation Service. The committee gave particular regard to offences from October 2024, including possession of a bladed article, which was a third conviction for this offence. CD296 had also received 5 points for driving without due care and attention in October 2024 and failed to report this or the points on his licence, despite it being a licence condition. While HR Safeguarding considered CD296 to be suitable, the committee concluded they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by CD296, prioritising public safety.

Review of Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD220

The committee resolved to revoke the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD220 with immediate effect, citing public safety concerns. The decision was based on WD220 receiving 9 points on their driver's licence for three separate speeding offences and failing to notify the council of these points. Although WD220 accepted responsibility and apologised, the committee noted that the applicant was within the timeframe where a licence would not typically be granted following such offences. The committee considered whether they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD220 and concluded they would not, deeming the revocation necessary in the interests of public safety.

Urgent Review of Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD222

The committee revoked the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD222 with immediate effect. This urgent decision was made due to WD222's conduct and matters detailed in the report, which led the committee to believe WD222 was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence. The decision was influenced by information from Plymouth City Council, which had revoked WD222's licence on 5 February 2026. WD222 had failed to notify Cornwall Council of this revocation and had also written to the council stating they no longer wished to hold their licence and would not attend the meeting. The committee concluded they would not allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD222, prioritising public safety.