APPEAL REBUFFED: Buckinghamshire Council wins latest court appeal over private hire driver licence refusal
- Perry Richardson
- 20 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Buckinghamshire Council has successfully defended its decision to refuse the renewal of a private hire driver’s licence, with the Crown Court ruling that the driver could not be considered safe to continue working in the sector.
The case concerned Mr Nawaz, whose private hire driver licence renewal was refused by the council in May 2024 following concerns over his driving standards. Licensing officers identified a pattern of deteriorating driving behaviour, culminating in a serious incident that led the authority to conclude he no longer met the required standard for licensed drivers.
Mr Nawaz initially appealed the refusal at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, where the appeal was dismissed. He then brought a further appeal to the Crown Court, which was heard on 10 December 2025.
The Crown Court upheld the council’s decision in full, agreeing that Mr Nawaz was not a suitable person to hold a private hire driver licence. The court found there was no compelling reason to depart from the council’s established policy on driver suitability.
Court upholds authority’s decision to prioritise passenger safety after finding driver unsuitable to remain licensed
In its judgment, the court confirmed that there were no exceptional circumstances that would justify overriding the policy, which is designed to prioritise passenger safety, ensure consistency in decision making and act as a deterrent to poor standards among licence holders. The court noted that departing from the policy would undermine those aims and reduce clarity for both passengers and drivers.
The ruling reinforces the council’s approach to taxi and private hire licensing, particularly its reliance on published policies when assessing driver conduct and fitness to hold a licence. Such policies are intended to provide transparency and a clear benchmark for acceptable standards across the sector.
The case marks the 14th consecutive taxi and private hire licensing appeal decided in Buckinghamshire Council’s favour during 2025. Across those cases, the courts have awarded the authority £39,026.05 in costs, reflecting judicial support for the council’s enforcement stance and its emphasis on public safety.
Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory Services, said: “The safety and wellbeing of the public remain Buckinghamshire Council’s highest priority. Public confidence in our taxi and private hire services depends on trust in both vehicles and drivers, which is why we apply our licensing policies rigorously. Confidence in the system is also important for those who provide taxi and private hire services.
“We will continue to ensure that only those who are truly fit and proper are granted licences, and that any breaches—including motoring offences—are taken seriously.
“Our 100% success rate in defending appeals this year demonstrates the strength and fairness of our approach. The courts’ consistent support reinforces our commitment to protecting passengers and maintaining the integrity of our licensing system.”
