Issue - meetings

Members were asked to consider and determine an application for a private hire driver

licence from Applicant - 157278 who had relevant DVLA convictions and therefore did not meet current Transport Policy.

Applicant – 157278 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 – 157278’s application containing a DVLA check code,

showing one live DVLA endorsement.

- A copy of a summary interview transcript with Applicant – 157278 and Licensing Officers.

- A copy of a revocation letter revoking Applicant – 157278’s taxi licence which he had held with Middlesbrough Council.

The Committee understood that the matter before them was to determine a private hire drivers’ licence application from Applicant – 157278 who had a relevant Major Traffic Offence specifically an IN10 ‘ which related to a period during which Applicant – 157278 operated a vehicle without insurance.

The Committee reviewed all the information provided and considered the statements made by Applicant – 157278 and the Licensing Officer. The Committee observed that Applicant – 157278 presented himself well, demonstrating honesty and truthfulness in his responses. The Committee acknowledged that Applicant – 157278’s failure to insure his vehicle was a genuine mistake, due to Applicant – 157278 entering incorrect details for his standing order to pay his insurance.

Although this incident fell outside the Council’s Policy due to Applicant – 157278’s prior conviction for driving without insurance, the Committee recognised the error as unintentional. Consequently, the Committee decided to grant Applicant – 157278 his private hire drivers licence, deeming him a fit and proper person, subject to the successful completion of all relevant tests.

The Council had a duty to ensure so far as possible that those licensed to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles were suitable persons to do so, that they were safe drivers with good driving records and adequate experience, sober, Courteous, mentally and physically fit, honest and not persons who would take advantage of their employment to abuse or assault passengers.

RESOLVED that Applicant – 157278’s application for a private hire driver licence be granted for the reasons as stated above, subject to Applicant – 157278 completing all necessary stages of the application requirements.