Report of the Group Director of Services
Minutes:
The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to give consideration to two applications, namely a new application for a Private Hire Driver Licence in light of previous convictions, and a review of a Private Hire Driver Licence in light of information provided by Durham Constabulary.
Ref: 10/24
To give consideration to the grant of a Private Hire Drivers Licence application in light of previous convictions.
Members were advised that the applicant’s Disclosure and Barring Certificate contained details of five convictions between 2013 and 2016, and the applicant’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) licence summary listed two endorsements, one in 2021 and the other in 2023. The representative from Durham Constabulary also advised Members of a positive drugs wipe in 2022, for which the applicant was arrested and charged, however action was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2023. The driver did not attend the meeting.
After careful consideration, the Members of the Committee did not consider the driver to be “fit and proper” and decided to refuse the driver a Private Hire Driver Licence. Members made this decision under section 51(1)(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
RESOLVED – That the application for a Private Hire Driver Licence be refused.
Ref: 11/24
To review of a Private Hire Drivers Licence in light of information provided by Durham Constabulary.
Members were invited to confirm the suspension of the licence of a Private Hire Driver in light of an ongoing criminal investigation by Durham Constabulary. Members were informed of the nature of the allegations and the further investigation which remained ongoing.
Members were further informed that the Assistant Licensing Manager had considered it necessary to apply the provisions of Section 61 2B of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and suspend the licence holder’s Private Hire Licence with immediate effect on the grounds of public safety, and that the matter be referred to this meeting of the General Licensing Sub-Committee. The driver did not attend the meeting.
After careful consideration, the Members of the Committee did not consider the driver to be “fit and proper” and decided to revoke the Private Hire Driver Licence for this driver on the grounds of public safety. Members made this decision under section 61 (1) and 61 2B of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 as amended by section 52 of the Road Safety Act 2006.
RESOLVED – That, in the interest of public safety, the Private Hire Driver Licence be revoked.
Supporting documents: