Minutes:
Members were asked to consider and determine a new application for a private hire driver licence for Applicant – 156401 who had a relevant conviction and currently did not meet Transport Policy.
Applicant - 156401 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 – 156401’s application which contained a DVLA check code, showing an expired CU80 DVLA endorsement, with an offence date of 30th May 2020.
. A copy of a summary transcript of an interview with Applicant – 156401 and Licensing Officers.
The Chair introduced everyone present and explained the procedure to be followed during the hearing.
Members of the Council’s General Licensing Committee considered all of the information before them, full details of which appeared before the Members in their agenda and background papers.
The Committee noted that following a DVLA check during the application process, Applicant – 156401 had an expired CU80 which was received 30th May 2020 and where the DVLA endorsement had expired 30th May 2023.
Applicant – 156401 explained to the Committee that he did not lift his phone up however he had touched it to stop it from moving around on the central console. Members of the Committee asked if Applicant – 156401 had a mobile phone mount in his vehicle to which Applicant – 156401 stated that there was not one situated in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Applicant – 156401 assured members a mobile phone mount would be installed in his licensed vehicle should his licence be granted.
Existing licence holders who committed criminal offences or received complaints about their behaviour which resulted in disciplinary action may expect the Council to consider revoking their licence or refusing their renewal application. These periods should be taken as a starting point in considering whether a licence should be granted or renewed in all cases. This places passenger safety as the priority while enabling past offenders to sufficiently evidence that they have been successfully rehabilitated so that they might obtain a licence.
Any further convictions may call in to question Applicant – 156401’s fitness to hold a licence. The overriding consideration was the safety of the public.
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.
Members took note of Applicant – 156401’s remorse and that Applicant – 156401 understood the dangers of driving while on a mobile phone. The Committee determined to place their trust in Applicant – 156401 and therefore agreed to grant him his licence.
RESOLVED that Applicant – 156401’s private hire drivers’ licence be granted for the reasons as detailed above.