Taxi licence REVOCATION upheld by court after safety concerns raised by Tamworth council

A taxi driver has lost his appeal against a licence revocation after magistrates backed a local authority’s decision citing public safety concerns and breaches of licensing standards.

Tamworth Borough Council successfully defended its decision at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 24 March, where Mohammed Chowdhury’s appeal was dismissed. The court concluded that he was not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence.

Chowdhury, 56, had previously appeared before the council’s licensing committee in August 2023 and again in March 2024 following concerns about his conduct while licensed. At the March hearing, councillors ruled that his licence should be revoked with immediate effect.

The council’s decision was based on a series of issues identified over a sustained period. These included the accumulation of more than 12 penalty points under the authority’s licensing policy within three years, complaints from members of the public, and concerns uncovered during licensing investigations, including the submission of an inaccurate accident report.

Magistrates dismiss appeal and award costs after ruling driver not ‘fit and proper’ to hold licence

Industry concerns were also formally raised through a petition submitted by the Hackney Carriage Trade Association, which questioned Chowdhury’s suitability to remain licensed.

Magistrates upheld the council’s position, stating that the revocation was appropriate and necessary in order to protect public safety and maintain professional standards within the licensed taxi and private hire sector. The court also awarded the council £3,000 in costs.

Join us on WhatsApp here

The case highlights the continued scrutiny placed on driver conduct by licensing authorities, particularly where cumulative breaches and complaints raise questions over suitability. Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, councils are required to ensure all licensed drivers meet the ‘fit and proper’ threshold.

Tamworth Borough Council operates a structured penalty points system as part of its regulatory framework, with drivers subject to further action, including referral to committee, once thresholds are exceeded. The authority said its licensing team works to ensure compliance with standards designed to protect passengers and uphold confidence in the trade.

For operators and drivers, the ruling reinforces the weight given to consistent compliance with licensing conditions, as well as the potential consequences of repeated infractions and substantiated complaints.

Chief Executive Stephen Gabriel, said: “We welcome the court’s decision to uphold the council’s action in this case. Public safety is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s essential that all licensed drivers meet the high standards expected of them.

“This case followed a thorough and evidence-led process, where a range of concerns were carefully considered before a decision was made. The court’s ruling reinforces that our approach is both fair and robust.

“We will always support drivers who meet our standards and engage positively with us. However, where there are serious concerns about an individual’s conduct or suitability, we will take decisive action and will not hesitate to defend those decisions in court”.