Taxi driver stripped of his licence over public safety concerns

A taxi driver has been stripped of his licence over public safety concerns. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s licensing panel made the decision to revoke the licence with 'immediate effect'.

Members heard that the driver, who has not been named but is aged 71, had been given a number of warnings over the last two years in respect of a variety of issues. He gave assurances he would adhere to the strict standards.

But, the panel minutes, said: "Despite this, he continued to come to the attention of Licensing Officers owing to his involvement in concerning incidents."

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Details of the incidents were not made public, as the panel met in private session, but they were reported by a licensing officer. The panel concluded that the man's driving 'fell below the standards expected of drivers' licensed by the council.

This also brought into question his 'fitness and propriety to continue' to hold a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

As a result, panel members unanimously resolved to revoke the dual driver’s land considered that it was in the interests of public safety that the revocation should have immediate effect.

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, cabinet member for evironmental and neighbourhood services, said: “Public safety is of vital importance when it comes to considering whether a driver is fit and proper to hold a licence. In protecting public safety, we expect our drivers to maintain the high standard that is expected of them and their licensed vehicles when carrying passengers, especially those that are vulnerable or elderly in our community.

"The standard that Stratford on Avon District Council expects of its licensed drivers fell below that which is expected from this driver.”

While the driver had a right of appeal, the council said he has chosen not to appeal and therefore is no longer a licensed driver with the local authority.

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