The Licensing and Regulatory Sub-Committee of Teignbridge Council were scheduled to convene on Wednesday 27 August 2025, to consider requests for Hackney Carriage Vehicle Extensions, and a request for a small plate for a private hire vehicle. The meeting was scheduled to take place at Forde House, Newton Abbot.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing

The Licensing and Regulatory Sub-Committee were scheduled to consider several requests to extend Hackney Carriage Vehicle licences for a further 12 months. The council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy states that vehicles presented for subsequent licensing must be under 10 years old, but that the council has the discretion to continue to licence vehicles older than this, provided they are satisfied that the vehicle is in good condition, a good state of repair, and passes the appropriate testing standard. The report pack notes that the committee can impose conditions as it sees fit, including six or four monthly testing.

Silver Skoda Octavia WJ13 KVX

The committee were scheduled to consider a request from Mr Chris Leathlean to extend the licence of a silver Skoda Octavia with registration number WJ13 KVX - H444 for another year. The vehicle was first registered on 15 May 2013, and the Hackney Carriage licence was due to expire on 31 August 2025. The report pack notes that the vehicle is now more than 10 years old and no longer meets the council's licensing policy.

The vehicle had an MOT which expires 31 August 2026, with one advisory:

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge Below 3mm in centre of tyre (5.2.3 (e))

A vehicle inspection took place on 14 August 2025, and the vehicle passed with one advisory for the same tyre. The report pack states that at the time of writing, the vehicle had not been inspected by a licensing officer. If the committee were to resolve to licence the vehicle, it was recommended that a condition be imposed requiring the vehicle to have six or four monthly vehicle inspections.

Mr Leathlean submitted a request for an extension, stating:

I would like to extend the license on the above vehicle for another year please. 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.

Grey Ford Galaxy WA64 VDN

The committee were scheduled to consider a request from Mr Luke Mason to extend the licence of a grey Ford Galaxy with registration number WA64 VDN – H037 for another year. The vehicle was first registered on 1 September 2014, and the Hackney Carriage licence was due to expire on 29 August 2025. The report pack notes that the vehicle is now more than 10 years old and no longer meets the council's licensing policy.

The vehicle had an MOT which expires 22 July 2026, with the following advisories:

• Play in steering rack inner joint(s) both
• Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
• Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both (4.4.3 (a))
• Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both worn on inside edge (5.2.3 (e))
• Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
• Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
• Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both trailing arm bush(s) (5.3.4 (a) (i))
• Nearside Rear Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b))

A vehicle inspection took place on 11 August 2025, and the vehicle failed due to the off side rear trailing arm bush deteriorating and falling apart. The report pack states that at the time of writing, a retest date was not available, and that if the vehicle did not pass the vehicle test prior to the committee meeting, the report would be removed. The report pack states that at the time of writing, the vehicle had not been inspected by a licensing officer. If the committee were to resolve to licence the vehicle, it was recommended that a condition be imposed requiring the vehicle to have six or four monthly vehicle inspections.

Mr Mason submitted a request for an extension, stating:

I need the vehicle license extended as 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

Red Vauxhall Zafira MX15 JHV

The committee were scheduled to consider a request from Mr Benjamin Clement to extend the licence of a red Vauxhall Zafira with registration number MX15 JHV – H077 for another year. The vehicle was first registered on 28 April 2015, and the Hackney Carriage licence was due to expire on 1 September 2025. The report pack notes that the vehicle is now more than 10 years old and no longer meets the council's licensing policy.

The vehicle had an MOT which expires 5 August 2026, with two minor defects and four advisories:

• Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
  • Offside Obligatory mirror slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))
  • Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))
• Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
  • Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  • Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))
  • Front ABS wires slightly insecure
  • Tyre pressure warning on dash

A vehicle inspection was booked for 22 August 2025, and the results were to be circulated prior to the committee meeting. The report pack states that at the time of writing, the vehicle had not been inspected by a licensing officer. If the committee were to resolve to licence the vehicle, it was recommended that a condition be imposed requiring the vehicle to have six or four monthly vehicle inspections.

Mr Clement submitted a request for an extension, stating:

Please take this as notice of application to consider my Taxi H077 (MX15JHV) for an extension of its licence for another 12 months.

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.

Request for a Small Plate

The committee were scheduled to consider a request from Mr James Westmore for a small plate for a silver Ford Focus with registration number FD21 DXU – P765.

Section 48 (6)(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 states that:

Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, no person shall use or permit to be used in a controlled district as a private hire vehicle in respect of which a licence has been granted under this section unless the plate or disc issued in accordance with subsection (5) of this section is exhibited on the vehicle in such manner as the district council shall prescribe by condition attached to the grant of the licence.

The council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy states that the licensing plate should be securely fixed to the outside rear of the vehicle in a position approved by the council, and should be kept fully visible and legible at all times. The report pack notes that small plates have previously been granted for specialist vehicles when the main use has been for weddings and special occasions, and that the removal of a plate from a licensed vehicle is not permitted at any time. The standard size plate is 240mm x 180mm, and the smaller plate requested is 230mm x 75mm.

Mr Westmore submitted a request stating:

Attached are photos that I would like to have the opportunity to request a private hire sticker instead of a private hire plate.

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.