The Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee of Cornwall Council met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to review several driver and operator licences. The committee revoked three Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences and one Private Hire Operator's Licence due to serious allegations against the licence holders.

Review of Private Hire Operators Licence - WO2

The committee reviewed the Private Hire Operators Licence for WO2. The licence holder had notified the council that he had been arrested on 10 January 2026 following an accusation of rape that allegedly occurred in 2020. Although released on bail and not yet charged, the Sub-Committee considered the council's policy regarding serious offences. This policy states that if a licensee has been arrested or charged with a serious offence that suggests they could be a risk to the public, consideration will be given to revoking the licence.

The Sub-Committee determined that WO2 was not a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Operators Licence due to the serious nature of the allegation. Consequently, WO2's licence was revoked under section 62(1)(b) and (c) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. The reasons for the decision highlighted that public safety is the principal consideration in such matters. The licence holder was reminded of his right to representation but chose to represent himself.

Review of Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence - WD219

The committee also reviewed the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD219. Similar to the previous case, WD219 had been arrested on 10 January 2026 following an accusation of rape that allegedly occurred in 2020. He had been released on bail.

Following consideration of the report and evidence presented, the Sub-Committee resolved to revoke WD219's licence with immediate effect. The decision was made under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to promote public safety. The committee concluded that WD219 was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence due to the alleged behaviour and the accusation made against him. The members considered whether they would allow a person they cared for to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD219 and concluded they would not. WD219 was also reminded of his right to representation but chose to represent himself.

Review of Private Hire Vehicle Licence - WV171

The Private Hire Vehicle Licence for WV171 was also subject to review. The licence holder had notified the council of his arrest on 10 January 2026, following an accusation of rape from years ago, and had been released on bail.

The Sub-Committee found that WV171 was not a fit and proper person to hold a Private Hire Vehicle Licence. The decision to revoke the licence was made under section 60(1)(c) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, citing the conduct of WV171 and the serious allegation made against him. The committee noted that the licence holder had been reminded of his right to representation but chose to represent himself.

Review of Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence - WD217

Finally, the committee reviewed the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for WD217. The report indicated that WD217 had previously been investigated for child sex offences, although no charges were brought. However, the Police held records of WD217's behaviours, including sexual interest in children, domestic abuse, violence, and aggressive behaviour. The committee was particularly concerned that WD217 worked on school contracts, where he regularly came into contact with children.

The Sub-Committee resolved to revoke WD217's licence with immediate effect under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, citing public safety as the primary concern. The members stated they could not give the benefit of the doubt to the licence holder, especially given his work on school contracts. WD217 had also been reminded of his right to representation but chose to represent himself. The licence had been granted on 13th May 2025, with previous convictions and comments from the HR Safeguarding Team considered at that time.

The meeting was attended by Councillors James O'Keefe (Chairman), James Ball, and John Martin. The proceedings were conducted in accordance with the council's procedure for hearings, with the press and public excluded for the consideration of these matters due to the disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals.

The documents considered by the committee can be found here: Public reports pack 22nd-Jan-2026 13.00 Urgent DriverOperatorVehicle Sub Committee, Agenda frontsheet 22nd-Jan-2026 13.00 Urgent DriverOperatorVehicle Sub Committee, and Printed minutes 22nd-Jan-2026 13.00 Urgent DriverOperatorVehicle Sub Committee.