Minutes:
Members were asked to consider and determine an application for a private hire driver licence from Applicant- 159077 who had provided a DVLA check code with his application showing 8 live DVLA points.
Applicant - 159077 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 – 159077’s application including the DVLA check codes TS10 and CD10.
- A copy of a summary transcript of an interview with Licensing Officers and Applicant – 159077.
- A copy of a letter from Middlesbrough Council to Applicant – 159077 renewing his licence.
The Chair introduced everyone present and explained the procedure to be followed during the hearing.
The Committee Members were presented with the officers’ report and had the opportunity to ask questions of both the officers and Applicant - 159077.
The Committee reviewed all the information provided and considered the submissions made by both Applicant – 159077 and the officer.
The Committee considered Applicant – 159077’s explanation of the road traffic incident on 6th June 2024, that led to his conviction on 10th October 2024. Applicant – 159077 explained that he made a split-second decision where his options were to perform an emergency stop and significantly injure the passengers on the bus that you were driving, or to quickly change lanes and go through a red-light signal to avoid injuring a cyclist who had crossed the road without looking. Applicant – 159077 confirmed to the Committee that he had driven for over 30 years without any other accidents, which included driving busses in London for 10 years.
The Committee determined that Applicant – 159077’s application should be granted, as they found his explanation to be plausible. Applicant – 159077 was required to complete the relevant assessments prior to his licence being issued.
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 people who would take advantage of their employment to abuse or assault passengers.
Applicant – 159077 was advised that he must always drive in a courteous and professional manner. Licence holders should endeavour to promote the image of the hackney carriage and private hire trade by:
a) complying with this Code of Conduct.
b) complying with all the conditions of their licence and the Council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy;
c) always behaving in a professional manner.
Applicant – 159077 was informed that his licence was granted with a warning that should he commit any further motoring offences, receive any convictions, complaints or concerns, he would likely to be referred to appear in front of the Licensing Committee again for determination of his continued fitness to hold a licence, which could result in the revocation of his licence.
RESOLVED that Applicant – 159077’s private hire drivers licence be granted for the reasons as stated above.