Minutes:
The Chair welcomed all parties to the meeting and after introductions explained the procedure for the hearing. It was confirmed that all parties had received a copy of the paperwork.
The Licensing Officer advised that the Sub Committee was requested to decide whether the Appellant (Ref 06-13) was a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Private Hire Driver’s licence in view of his failure to comply with six of the Council’s Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Policy and Conditions 2013. The Appellant had received 12 Penalty Points which resulted in the automatic referral of the licence to the Sub-Committee for review.
The Licensing Officer, advised that the breaches of conditions had occurred over a short period of time when Council Officers were conducting routine regulatory checks.
The Sub-Committee was mindful that it could only grant a Private Hire Drivers Licence if it was satisfied that the applicant was a fit and proper person. Similarly, if an incident involving a driver was brought to its attention, the Sub-Committee had the power to not issue, suspend, revoke that licence or issue a strict warning. It was highlighted that Licence holders provided a public service and their primary responsibility was the safety of members of the public and to adhere to the law.
The Appellant accepted that he had breached the conditions of licence with one exception. Following a summary from the Licensing Officer and Appellant, the parties left the meeting.
After careful consideration of the written and oral information at its disposal the Sub-Committee found that all the alleged breaches did occur and resolved that the driver’s licence should be suspended for two months. The Sub-Committee felt that the period of suspension was reasonable and proportionate in view of the driver’s serious and repeated failures to comply with the conditions of his licence.
Resolved – That the Appellant’s (Ref 06-13) Private Hire Licence be suspended for two months.