Stratford-on-Avon District Council suspends taxi driver for failure to report driving convictions

A taxi driver licensed by the Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been suspended for a period of 14 days by the District Council's Licensing Panel. The suspension comes as a result of the driver's failure to disclose driving convictions on his driver renewal application form.

The driver, who had been licensed for 11 years, neglected to inform the Licensing Authority about his convictions and also failed to disclose them on subsequent renewal applications. These convictions were obtained during periods when the driver was not on duty as a taxi driver, and while he had not been disqualified by the Court, a total of 12 points had accumulated on his licence.

According to the District Council's Policy and Conditions for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers, it is mandatory for the proprietor of a licensed vehicle to report any conviction, caution, or penalty points incurred within seven days of their imposition. This condition was not fulfilled by the driver in question, who later apologised and claimed ignorance regarding the requirement to disclose the penalty points to the District Council.

In addition to the 14-day suspension, the driver was also issued a Formal Written warning regarding his future conduct.

The decision made by the Licensing Panel can be appealed to the Magistrate's Court, provided the appeal is lodged within 21 days from the date of the notice of decision. The Licensing Panel Committee meeting, where this case was discussed and resolved, took place on Wednesday 6 September.

The Policy and Conditions for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers outline various obligations for drivers, such as notifying the Council of changes in address, employer, convictions (including motoring offences and cautions), and any medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in disciplinary actions.

Among the conditions for licence renewal, applicants should not have more than six current penalty points on their DVLA licence. While minor offences can lead to consultation with the Licensing Chairman, major offences will inevitably be referred to the General Purposes Licensing Committee for determination. Additionally, applicants must be free from any new convictions or cautions since the grant of their last licence.