The Licensing Sub-Committee convened to address licensing matters, including the renewal of a hackney carriage vehicle licence for a vehicle over 10 years old, which was approved with conditions, and a hearing to determine whether an applicant for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence is a fit and proper person to hold the licence, which was refused. Councillor Martyn Snow was appointed as Chair for the meeting.

Application to Renew Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence

The sub-committee considered an application from Ahmad Mahbub Al-Nozir for the renewal of a hackney carriage vehicle licence for a Toyota Prius that would be 11 years old on 26 September 2025. The public reports pack noted that because the vehicle was more than 8 years old, the decision could not be made using delegated powers¹. The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 allows the council to attach conditions to a licence as it considers reasonably necessary, as set out in the Taxi Policy.

The report from Julie Bennett, Licensing Officer, stated that the vehicle, registration number YN64 OEA, was first registered on 26 September 2014 and had been licensed with Exeter City Council since 14 September 2017. It was a plug-in hybrid Euro 5b standard, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) compliant, emitting 49g/km of CO2. The applicant had previously been required to complete MOTs² every six months, which they had complied with. The vehicle had a current MOT certificate dated 8 August 2025, expiring on 7 August 2026, with a mileage of 271,097 miles. The MOT history showed three failures since 2017. An independent mechanical inspection report dated 15 August 2025 was also submitted. A council officer inspected the vehicle and found it to be in reasonable condition for its age.

Mr Al-Nozir spoke in support of his application, stating that the car was a hybrid, met all the council's criteria, was kept in good condition, and had carbon emissions less than the council's guidance. He confirmed that he would be happy to continue with MOTs every 6 months and share his service reports if his application was approved.

The sub-committee resolved to approve the application for the renewal of the licence for 12 months, subject to a condition that the vehicle have an MOT every six months and evidence from vehicle services be provided to the council's licensing department.

Hearing for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence

The sub-committee then moved into Part II of the meeting, excluding the press and public due to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part I, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The committee considered a report from the Head of Service - Environment and Waste, to determine whether an applicant for a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Drivers Licence is a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

The Legal Advisor set out the procedure for the hearing and the provisions of Section 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. They stated that the evidential burden was on the applicant to prove on the balance of probabilities that they were a fit and proper person to hold a taxi drivers licence, and that the paramount concern was the safety of the travelling public.

The Licensing Officer presented the report and gave evidence. The applicant spoke in support of their application and answered questions from members and the Legal Advisor.

The sub-committee resolved to refuse the application.