MOVING BARRIERS: Runnymede licensed taxi driver issued warning after venue incident reviewed
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Runnymede taxi driver has been issued with a formal written warning after councillors concluded his conduct during an incident at a local entertainment venue fell short of the standards expected of a licensed Hackney Carriage driver.
The decision was taken by members of Runnymede Borough Council’s Regulatory Committee at a hearing held on 2 February 2026, where the Sub-Committee considered whether the driver remained ‘fit and proper’ to hold a licence.
According to the committee minutes, the driver has been licensed in Runnymede since 2011 and holds a combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licence. Officers confirmed four previous complaints were recorded against the driver, two relating to attitude, with the most recent in March 2015 resulting in a written warning issued under delegated powers.
The latest case centred on an alleged incident on 18 October 2025 at a local venue. The Senior Operations Manager at the venue reported the matter to the council the following day. Members were presented with written statements from venue staff and from the driver, who attended the hearing to give evidence and answer questions.
Regulatory committee finds conduct fell below expected standards but stops short of suspension
CCTV footage had been supplied, but officers advised councillors that it was recorded from a distance and without audio, and was not of sufficient evidential quality to be relied upon. The driver disputed aspects of the timeline and queried the delay between the alleged incident and being called for interview. Licensing officers apologised for the delay, attributing it in part to the time taken to obtain statements from the venue.
In his evidence, the driver said confusion over a changed parking policy at the venue had caused frustration. He told the Sub-Committee that being directed to a less prominent area reduced his ability to attract fares, affecting his ability to earn. He maintained that he had acted professionally and respectfully throughout.
After retiring to consider the matter in private session, members were directed to the council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, with particular reference to the paramount importance of public safety. They also took account of the Institute of Licensing Suitability Guidance and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 before reaching a decision.
The Sub-Committee concluded, on the balance of probabilities, that an incident had occurred and that the driver’s behaviour had fallen below the professional standards expected. Members specifically referenced the driver exiting his vehicle to move barriers and speaking to venue staff in the manner alleged, determining this crossed the boundary of acceptable conduct.
However, councillors stopped short of suspending or revoking the licence. They acknowledged the driver’s frustration and the commercial pressures associated with securing work, but found these factors did not justify the actions taken. The matter was resolved by way of informal action, with a written warning issued to the driver.
