Stratford-on-Avon taxi driver suspended for three months over repeated licence breaches
- Perry Richardson
- 45 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A taxi driver licensed by Stratford-on-Avon has been suspended for three months after councillors found repeated breaches of licence conditions relating to vehicle safety and administrative compliance.
The decision was taken by the council’s Licensing Panel at a meeting in November, where members considered evidence that the 46-year-old Stratford-upon-Avon driver had failed to meet essential vehicle testing requirements and maintained inadequate records as both a driver and a licensed private hire operator.
According to the panel’s findings, the driver continued to fall short of licence expectations despite receiving several written warnings from licensing officers. Vehicles presented for MOT testing had subsequently failed, a matter the panel said pointed to poor maintenance controls and insufficient pre-test checks.
Councillors stressed that passenger safety remained their paramount consideration and that licensing authorities must be satisfied that licence holders are fit and proper persons. The panel said this duty is consistent with the statutory framework set out by the Department for Transport, including the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards issued in July 2020.
Licensing panel cites passenger safety after continued non-compliance with vehicle testing and record keeping requirements
In addition to imposing the suspension, the panel advised that the driver should introduce clear systems to ensure paperwork is submitted within required timescales, carry out daily checks on licensed vehicles and refresh his understanding of the policies governing private hire vehicles, hackney carriage vehicles and private hire operator licences.
While the driver had the right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of being notified, the council confirmed that no appeal has been lodged. The three-month suspension has therefore taken effect.
Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, said: "Public safety is of vital importance when considering whether a driver is fit and proper to hold a licence. The standard of vehicle safety is critical, and licensed vehicles undergo regular testing to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. The standard of this driver's behaviour has fallen below what is expected by the District Council."
