Issue - meetings

Members were asked to consider and determine a private hire drivers application from  applicant – 156923 who had relevant DVLA convictions and did not meet current Transport Policy.

Applicant - 156923 attended the meeting and was 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:

. A copy of applicant – 156923’s application which contained a DVLA check code, showing one live DVLA endorsement.

. A copy of a summary transcript of an interview with applicant – 156923 and licensing officers.

The Committee understood that the matter before them was to determine an application for a private hire vehicle drivers’ licence as detailed in the Committee report.

The Committee heard that a DVLA check code was received as part of the usual application process showing one live DVLA endorsement for the offence of ‘driving a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks’ on 4th February 2023. The Committee were told that the applicant received no penalty points for this offence.

The Committee heard that the Council’s current policy stated that an application would normally be refused until at least four years after the most recent conviction, caution, reprimand, final warning or if the person was disqualified, after the restoration of their driving licence, whichever was ever the later. The Committee were told that four years from applicant – 156923’s conviction date was 4th February 2027, over two and a half years away.

The Committee were told that applicant – 156923 was interviewed on 17th June 2024, by licensing officers, about the circumstances surrounding his conviction. The Committee heard that applicant – 156923 admitted to driving without insurance, saying that he could not afford to pay for insurance. Applicant – 156923 advised officers that if he had appealed his conviction, he may have received six DVLA penalty points, which would have resulted in him having to re-take his driving test.

The Committee were advised that applicant – 156923 stated during interview that he attended Court and explained his situation to Magistrates, who decided not to hand down DVLA penalty points, and he was instead fined £500.

The Committee heard that in response to being asked if applicant – 156923 believed that he was a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver licence, applicant – 156923 stated that he had no other convictions. The Committee were told that applicant – 156923 assured officers that he would be safe around passengers and acknowledged that he understood that he must have insurance in place.

The Committee were told that applicant – 156923 had undertook an oral fluid drugs screening test at the end of his interview and the results were negative.

Members had regard to the Committee papers, which had been circulated prior to the hearing and presented to them as well to the oral submissions made by applicant – 156923.

Having carefully considered the written documentation before them and in reaching their decision,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17