Minutes:
Members were asked to consider a Private Hire Driver application form Applicant – 156614 who had relevant DVLA convictions and did not meet current Transport Policy.
Applicant – 156614 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 – 156614’s application which also contained a DVLA check code, showing two live DVLA endorsements, IN10 – Driving a motor vehicle
uninsured against third party risks and SP30 – Exceeding the statutory speed limit on public road.
– A copy of a summary transcript detailing an interview between Licensing Officers and Applicant – 156614, during which he admitted to driving without insurance and breaking the speed limit.
The Chair introduced everyone present and explained the procedure to be followed during the hearing.
The Committee Members were presented with the report by the Licensing Officer and were given the opportunity to ask questions of both the Officer and Applicant – 156614.
Applicant – 156614 assured Members during the meeting, that both driving incidents were unintentional. Applicant – 156614 stated that there was no excuse for his actions that resulted in those convictions however he was apologetic and gave the Committee assurances that incidents such as these would not happen again in the future.
The Committee deliberated all the information before them and the comments Applicant – 156614 had made during the hearing. The Committee determined to depart from current policy and place their trust in Applicant – 156614 and grant him a licence to drive private hire vehicles, with this authority. However, this was issued with a severe warning as to Applicant – 156614’s future conduct. Members reminded Applicant – 156614 that public safety was paramount, and should he receive any further convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings, or complaints he was likely to be brought back before the General Licensing Committee.
Applicant – 156614 was told that as he was now a licensed driver, he was expected to drive safely as he was carrying fare paying passengers which included those that may be vulnerable. Driving more than the statutory speed limit was against the law and these limits were designed to keep Taxi Drivers and other road users safe, improve road traffic safety and reduce casualties from traffic collisions. Travelling at excess speed would mean that Applicant – 156614 would have much less time to react to driving conditions. It also meant that if he had a collision, it would be more violent and more likely to result in serious or fatal injuries. Travelling more than the statutory speed limit would not be tolerated from any driver who was licensed with this authority and further formal action would be taken against those who did this.
The law concerning driving without insurance was clear, this meant the penalties could be severe. Police had the power to seize uninsured vehicles and remove them from the road. Offenders would also be liable for costs of accidents with an outcome of increased insurance premiums in the future, this was classed as a major traffic offence in the current transport policy and further offences would likely result in the revocation of Applicant – 156614’s driver licence.
The holding of a licence was a privilege, not a right, and conduct that may bring this Council into disrepute would likely see further formal action regarding Applicant – 156614’s licence which could include revocation.
RESOLVED that Applicant – 156614’ application for a Private Hire Drivers Licence be granted, for the reasons as detailed above.