The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee convened to review two cases related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licences. Both licence holders were investigated for driving under the influence of drugs. Ultimately, the committee decided to revoke both WD213's driver's licence and WV168's vehicle licence, citing public safety concerns.

Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence - WD213

The committee reviewed the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence of WD213 and decided to revoke the licence with immediate effect. The decision was made under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976¹, with the committee stating that they did not consider WD213 to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence, and that there was reasonable cause to revoke it. The committee's decision was based on the following factors:

• WD213's arrest for driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs.
• WD213's arrest for possession of a controlled substance.
• Evidence from the police stating that WD213 had been driving his taxi at the time of the incident and had admitted to taking cocaine.
• The fact that WD213 was found in possession of drugs in his vehicle.
• WD213's arrest by the police after being involved in an accident where he had driven into stopped vehicles.
• WD213's failure to notify the council of his arrest, in accordance with the conditions of his licence.

The committee noted that WD213 denied taking cocaine and stated that he had found the cocaine in his vehicle, and that he had been confused at the time of the incident and did not recall stating to the police what the police had alleged.

Despite WD213's defence, the committee members stated that they had considered whether they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD213 at any time of the day or night, and concluded that they would not.

The committee concluded that it was reasonable and proportionate to revoke WD213's licence with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence - WV168

The committee reviewed Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 and decided to revoke the licence. The committee stated that they did not consider the holder of Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence and that there was reasonable cause to revoke the licence.

The decision was based on the fact that the holder of Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 had been arrested for driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs and also arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The committee noted evidence from the police stating that the holder of Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 had been driving his taxi at the time of the incident and that he had admitted to taking cocaine, and that he was found in possession of drugs in his vehicle. The committee also noted that the holder of Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 had been arrested by the police after being involved in an accident where he had driven into stopped vehicles, and that he had not yet been charged with an offence as he was awaiting blood test results.

The holder of Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 was not in attendance at the meeting, but had confirmed that he had covered everything he wished to say in his presentation for agenda item 5.

The committee concluded that it was reasonable and proportionate to revoke Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168 in the interests of public safety.

Other Matters

Councillor James O'Keefe was elected Chairman for the meeting, and Councillors Chris Batters and John Martin were in attendance. The committee agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting due to the confidential nature of the information to be discussed, relating to individuals.