Issue - meetings

An application to become a Public Carriage Driver has been received by the Licensing Office.

The Licensing Sub-Committee is asked to determine whether the applicant is considered a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a Public Carriage driver’s licence.

This item was restricted by virtue of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Exempt information – Categories 1 (information relating to any individual) and 2 (information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual).

Attendance:

From BCP Council:

Ellie King and Trudi Barlow – Licensing Officers

Linda Cole – Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee

Jill Holyoake – Clerk to the Sub-Committee

The Driver was also in attendance, accompanied by a member of BCP Taxi and Private Hire Association in a non-participatory role.

The Chair made introductions and explained the procedure to be followed in considering this item, which was agreed by all participating parties.

The Licensing Officer presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Sub Committee was asked to consider whether the driver remained a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s licence. The driver addressed the Sub Committee to present his case.

The Sub-Committee asked various questions of all parties present and was grateful for the responses received.

All parties were invited to sum up before the Sub-Committee retired to make its decision. Before concluding the Hearing, the Legal Advisor advised all parties of the right of appeal.

RESOLVED that having considered the written report of the Licensing Officer and the supporting information provided by the driver and the verbal submissions and responses to questions provided at the hearing by all parties and having regard to the BCP Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Policy and the relevant guidance documents issued by the Institute of Licensing (IOL) and the Department of Transport, the Sub-Committee has decided that the driver remains a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence.

Reason for Decision:

In making its decision, the Sub-Committee considered all the information presented and listened to the answers the driver provided to the questions members asked.

Having considered and noted all the circumstances of the case, as detailed in the exempt version of these minutes, on balance the Sub Committee finds the driver to be a fit and proper person. The Sub-Committee is happy to give the driver a fresh start and hopes that he uses it wisely

Voting – Unanimous