South Cambridgeshire private hire driver loses licence after failing to declare speeding points
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 17
- 1 min read
A private hire driver has lost his licence following a failed court appeal against South Cambridgeshire District Council’s decision to refuse his renewal application.
Kambiz Akhondi, 59, took his case to Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, but the court ruled that he was not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver licence. His appeal was dismissed, and the Council was awarded £1,182 in legal costs.
The case stemmed from Akhondi’s failure to notify the licensing authority of three DVLA speeding endorsements issued between 2021 and 2022. His original application to renew his private hire licence was refused by the Council’s Licensing Sub Committee in August 2024 due to the non-disclosure, which breached the conditions of his licence.
After unsuccessfully appealing to the Council’s Licensing Sub Committee, Akhondi pursued the matter through the courts. The hearing took place on 10 April at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, where the initial decision was upheld.
Rob Lewis, Licensing Service Manager at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said licensed drivers must meet strict standards, including full disclosure of penalty points. He warned that non-compliance with the rules would lead to serious consequences.
Lewis said: “The safety of the public is our highest priority, and we expect all licensed drivers to meet the standards required of them. Failing to disclose penalty points is a serious matter, as transparency and trust are fundamental to the licensing system.
“The decision to refuse this licence, and the dismissal of the subsequent appeal, sends a clear message - those who do not fully comply with the rules and fail to disclose penalty points will face serious consequences.”
