Bedford licensing decisions shows no nonsense oversight on driver conduct
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
A recent report from Bedford Borough Council details private hire and hackney carriage licensing decisions taken between 1 February and 31 May 2025. It highlights a stringent approach to ensuring drivers remain “fit and proper” to hold licences, especially following concerns over public safety.
The General Licensing Committee and officers with delegated powers considered new applications, renewals, suspensions, revocations, and appeals. Over the period, several decisions reflected a no-tolerance policy towards poor driving standards and non-disclosure of legal matters.
One licence was revoked after a serious road traffic accident involving a father and child. The committee cited multiple failures, including driving errors and not reporting the incident as legally required. Another driver was told to undertake driver training after separate complaints revealed poor passenger care and concerns over route accountability.
A separate case involved a longstanding licence holder who was instructed to complete a driver proficiency course within three months following an accident on a pedestrian crossing. The council acknowledged his cooperation and long service but maintained remedial training was necessary.
One revocation followed a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving. The driver failed to report the incident and did not appeal the original court decision. The committee cited the seriousness of the offence and the council’s licensing policy in revoking the licence.
Administrative decisions also played a key role, with 63 driver licences granted by the Chief Officer for Assessment, Application and Business Support, mostly renewals. Only a few new applications were recorded in the period.
Separately, two renewal applications were refused. One driver had received a second caution and failed to report it. The other was accused of illegally picking up passengers without a booking. In both cases, officers concluded the applicants were not fit and proper to continue driving professionally.
An earlier appeal heard in April related to a 2023 suspension following dangerous driving near a school. A consent order was agreed requiring the driver to complete remedial training. The driver’s appeal against penalty points was withdrawn.
