Bolton Council unanimously rules driver not fit and proper after CCTV evidence and failure to declare offence
- Perry Richardson
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
A licensed private hire driver has had his licence revoked after councillors found him not to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence, following a conviction for driving without due care and attention.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee on 3 February 2026, after members considered a report submitted by the Director of Place.
The report set out details of alleged misconduct by the driver, including a conviction dated 1 October 2025 for driving without due care and attention. A short video of evidence was shown to all parties during the hearing. The driver attended the meeting accompanied by his solicitor, and both sides agreed to a maximum of 15 minutes to present their case.
Councillor Flitcroft moved that the licence be revoked, seconded by Councillor Moncado-Sears. The motion was carried unanimously, with 10 councillors voting in favour and none against or abstaining.
Private hire driver licence revoked following due care conviction
In reaching its decision, the committee noted that the offence constituted a major traffic offence under the council’s Statement of Fitness and Suitability. The minutes state that where such an offence is less than three years old, the normal course of action would be revocation of the licence.
Members also found that the driver had failed to declare the conviction in accordance with the conditions attached to his private hire driver licence. The seriousness of the driving offence, as viewed on CCTV footage, was also taken into account.
The committee specifically resolved that there was reasonable cause to revoke the private hire driver’s licence, concluding that the driver did not meet the required standard to continue operating at this time.
The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny applied by licensing authorities to traffic convictions and disclosure obligations, particularly where recent offences fall within policy thresholds that presumption revocation. For private hire operators and drivers, the decision serves as a reminder of the importance of prompt declaration of convictions and adherence to local fitness and suitability standards.
