The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to consider whether a specific Hackney Carriage vehicle met the criteria for an exceptional vehicle age policy. The meeting's agenda focused on a single item for discussion, relating to the licensing of a vehicle owned by Mr. Suyfan Sadanand Rao.

Consideration of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Age Policy

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the consideration of whether Hackney Carriage vehicle H637, registration SC57 LVB, owned by Mr. Suyfan Sadanand Rao of Kettering, met the criteria outlined in the North Northamptonshire Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for an exceptional vehicle. This policy allows vehicles that have reached a certain age limit to continue to be licensed if they have been maintained to a very high standard, both mechanically and in terms of their internal and external condition.

The report pack detailed the vehicle's first registration date as 27 December 2007, meaning it reached its 10-year age limit on 27 December 2017. The vehicle's licence was set to expire on 27 December 2025. Mr. Rao had applied for a renewal, which necessitated an inspection under the Exceptional Vehicle Age Policy.

The documentation indicated that Mr. Rao had been reminded of the upcoming expiry and the requirement for an exceptional vehicle inspection. Following an inspection on 22 December 2025, the vehicle reportedly failed. This led to a series of communications between Mr. Rao, the council's licensing officers, and the Licensing Manager, Russell Howell. Mr. Rao expressed dissatisfaction with the inspection, citing perceived unfairness and a lack of clear guidance on what needed to be rectified. He had requested a re-test and indicated an intention to appeal the decision.

The report pack outlined the criteria for a vehicle to be considered in exceptional condition, which included requirements for chassis and bodywork, mechanical condition, absence of leaks, condition of road wheels and tyres, and the state of interior and exterior fittings. The policy states that if a vehicle fails an inspection or garage test, it will not be licensed and will not be considered for relicensing.

The panel was asked to consider the information presented and determine if vehicle SC57 LVB met the policy requirements for a one-year licence extension. The report also noted that Mr. Rao had not formally submitted a representation explaining why he believed the vehicle was in exceptional condition, but he had requested his case be put before the Licensing Panel. The legal implications of Section 47 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, concerning the conditions a district council may attach to a hackney carriage licence, were also referenced. The applicant has the right to appeal the panel's decision to the Magistrates Court.