Council REVOKES private hire licence after telematics data allegedly shows driver hitting 70mph around roundabout
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
A private hire driver’s licence has been revoked with immediate effect after councillors concluded that repeated excessive speeding and complaints about conduct towards female passengers meant the driver was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
The case was heard by Uttlesford District Council’s Licensing and Environmental Health Committee on 5 March 2026 following a review triggered by information supplied by the driver’s employer. The matter had previously been deferred by a licensing panel in January 2026 to allow further evidence to be obtained.
The employer alleged the driver had been dismissed following complaints regarding their behaviour towards women and also supplied telematics data showing instances of excessive speeding. During the hearing, the driver disputed elements of the case, arguing that the complaints were unverified and that they had resigned rather than been dismissed. They also challenged some of the telematics evidence, including one allegation that the vehicle travelled at 70mph around a roundabout.
The driver acknowledged there may have been occasions when they exceeded speed limits but insisted they did not speed while carrying passengers. They also argued that no direct evidence had been provided showing passengers were in the vehicle during the speeding incidents.
However, councillors heard that the operator had submitted signed evidence confirming the driver was in charge of the vehicle during the periods identified in the telematics records. The panel accepted the data and concluded the driver had travelled at excessive speeds on five separate occasions.
In its decision notice, the panel stated that the speeding evidence alone was sufficient to justify revocation, regardless of whether passengers were present in the vehicle at the time. Members concluded the telematics records demonstrated a history of excessive speeding and raised serious concerns about public safety.
The committee also accepted a passenger complaint made in September 2025 regarding the driver’s conduct. Councillors found, on the balance of probabilities, that the driver had used inappropriate language and behaved inappropriately towards passengers. The panel determined that such behaviour fell below the standards expected of a licensed driver.
While the review also considered allegations relating to damage to an operator’s vehicle and a dispute over the driver’s employment status, councillors said these matters played no part in the final decision. The panel determined that questions around vehicle damage and whether the driver resigned or was dismissed were not relevant to the licensing outcome.
Applying the statutory “fit and proper person” test, the panel concluded it would not allow someone they cared about to travel alone in a vehicle driven by the licence holder. Members unanimously revoked the private hire driver’s licence with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.
The driver retains the right to appeal the decision to Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court within 21 days.
