Former private hire driver accused of inappropriate behaviour fails in his bid to have licence reins

A former private hire driver who allegedly behaved in an inappropriate way has failed to regain his licence at a crown court hearing.

Erkan Kutuk of Saxby Close, Worle appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 9 August in a bid to have his PHV licence reinstated. But the appeal was dismissed and Mr Kutuk was ordered to pay North Somerset Council £2,000 in costs. 

North Somerset Council’s licensing committee made the decision to revoke Mr Kutuk’s licence in January after several complaints were received about alleged aggressive and inappropriate behaviour.

Councillors decided that he was not “fit and proper” to hold a licence and revoked it. Mr Kutuk appealed the decision resulting in a Magistrates court case in April. After hearing evidence, the Magistrates agreed with the licensing committee decision and dismissed the appeal. Mr Kutuk then appealed to Bristol Crown Court. Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s executive member with responsibility for licensing, said: “We will not tolerate any inappropriate or aggressive behaviour from licensed drivers. “The licence process, which includes fully enhanced DBS checks, is there to ensure that people using taxis feel safe, secure and comfortable. Anything less than this will not be tolerated in the interest of public safety and rogue drivers will be taken off the road.”  

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