Combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver - 155051
Minutes:
Members were asked to consider and determine the continued fitness of combined hackney carriage and private hire driver - 155051, who was currently suspended, due to evidence indicating that he operated a mobile phone whilst driving.
Combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 and his representative Mr Walker attended the meeting and were given the opportunity to make representation.
Committee papers and reports had been provided to all relevant parties prior to the meeting.
The report detailed the following:
- various screenshots of CCTV footage relating to combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051.
- a copy of a delegated decision and suspension letter, suspending combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 15505’s taxi licence.
- a copy of an interview transcript between combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 and licensing officers.
- a copy of a second interview transcript between combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051, his representative and licensing officers.
- a copy of an image showing carriage and private hire driver – 155051 driving a vehicle.
- a copy of an officer statement relating to the use of AI in combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 15505’s videos.
The Chair introduced everyone present and explained the procedure to be followed during the hearing.
Combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 and his representative Mr Walker appeared before the Committee for Members to determine what action to take and whether on the balance of probabilities combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 remained a fit and proper person to hold a combined hackney carriage and private hire drivers’ licence with this authority following the receipt of evidence indicating that he had operated a mobile phone whilst driving.
Members were presented with the officers’ report. Both Members, the applicant – 155051 and his representative were given the opportunity to ask questions of the officers report.
The licensing officer also presented the Committee with various clips of video footage of what appeared to show combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 using his mobile phone whilst driving and also posting footage of members of the public on social media without their knowledge or consent.
The main topics discussed were as follows:
- Combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 15505’s representative explained each piece of footage shown to the Committee and refuted claims that his client, combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 was driving whilst using his mobile phone.
- It was explained that combined hackney carriage and private hire driver – 155051 had three different cameras set up in his car. Two which recorded inside his taxi for safeguarding himself and passengers which was policy recommended, and his own GoPro camera which he used for filming outside of his car and which he used for his TikTok account. The footage captured on his GoPro camera automatically sent the footage to his mobile phone which was edited ... view the full minutes text for item 4