The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 13 November 2025 to review two Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licences. Both licences, belonging to driver WD213 and vehicle WV168, were revoked with immediate effect due to concerns over public safety.

Review of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence - WD213

The committee revoked the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence of WD213 with immediate effect. This decision was made under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to promote public safety, as the committee deemed WD213 not to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

The reasons for the revocation included the driver's arrest for driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs and possession of a controlled substance. Police evidence indicated that WD213 had admitted to taking cocaine and was found in possession of drugs in his vehicle at the time of an accident where he drove into stopped vehicles. WD213 had also failed to notify the Council of his arrest, contrary to his licence conditions. Although WD213 denied taking cocaine at the meeting, stating he found it in his vehicle and was confused at the time of the incident, the committee considered whether they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD213. They concluded they would not, prioritising public safety.

Review of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence - WV168

Similarly, the committee revoked the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence of WV168 to promote public safety. The holder of WV168 was not in attendance at the meeting but had confirmed that he had covered everything he wished to say in his presentation for the previous agenda item.

The reasons for this revocation mirrored those for WD213. The holder of WV168 had also been arrested for driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs and possession of a controlled substance, admitting to taking cocaine and being found with drugs in his vehicle. He was arrested by police while driving after being involved in an accident. The committee also noted that the licence holder had not yet been charged as he was awaiting blood test results. The committee concluded that revoking the licence was reasonable, proportionate, and necessary in the interests of public safety.

The meeting was attended by Councillors O'Keefe (Chairman), Batters, and J Martin. Officers present included M Andrews (Senior Lawyer), R Brebner (Democratic Officer), and T Moody (Licensing Officer). The meeting concluded at 10:25 am.

The decisions made during this meeting are detailed in the Printed minutes 13th-Nov-2025 10.00 Urgent DriverOperatorVehicle Sub Committee.pdf. Further information regarding the meeting can be found in the Public reports pack 13th-Nov-2025 10.00 Urgent DriverOperatorVehicle Sub Committee.pdf and the Agenda frontsheet 13th-Nov-2025 10.00 Urgent DriverOperatorVehicle Sub Committee.pdf.