FIT AND PROPER


MAN WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT CAUTION LOSES TAXI LICENCE APPEAL IN BUCKS


A man with a past caution for sexual assault has failed in his legal challenge against the council’s repeated refusal to grant him a taxi licence. Basit Ali, who accepted the caution in 2012, has been denied a HC/PH licence four times, most recently, in 2023. Buckinghamshire Council’s policy deems individuals with such a history as not “fit and proper” to


hold a licence. While Ali argued that the passage of time and his subsequent good conduct should be considered, the council maintains a strict stance. A spokesperson stated: “The council takes a firm line on con- duct of a sexual nature and a caution is treated in the same way as a conviction under the policy. This means, in line with national


standards, any applicant with a history of sexual offences, even if they occurred in the past, can usually expect to be refused a licence.” Ali’s latest appeal was heard at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on December 19, 2024. The court dismissed his appeal and ordered him to pay Buckinghamshire Council’s costs, amounting to £5,740.56.


STOCKTON DRIVER LICENCE RESTORED AFTER NO EVIDENCE OF GROOMING


A taxi driver had his licence suspension lifted after Stockton Council found no evidence to support allegations of grooming. The driver was accused of inappropriate conversations of a sexual nature with a vulnerable young adult. He denied these, while he acknowledged that some of his “banter” was inappropriate, he maintained that nothing


untoward occurred. The committee reviewed witness statements, social media conver- sations where the driver apologised for being “out of order,” and 13 positive character references. While the young woman did not attend the hearing, her statement was considered. The police confirmed there was a “lack of evidence” to investigate


further. The committee therefore concluded there was “no evidence to support the allegations” and found the driver “credible and convincing.” They decided he was a “fit and proper person” and reinstated his licence, stating they believed the inappropriate banter was an “isolated matter” and a mistake he would not repeat.


WYRE COUNCIL LICENSING COMMITTEE REVOKES TWO HACKNEY CARRIAGE LICENCES


Wyre Council licensing committee has revoked a proprietor’s HC licences. At a Licensing committee meeting on 1 October 2024 the licence holder had agreed to maintain his vehicles. However, on 10 October two of his vehicles were presented for examination and compliance inspection; one failed due to a missing anti-roll bar fitting and a leaking exhaust and the other failed due to the brakes


PHTM MARCH 2025


operating at just 7% capacity. The DVSA testing officer issued the proprietor with two notices immediately prohibiting all driving and towing of the vehicles. The proprietor addressed the Committee and stated that the first vehicle was purchased recently and was in good condition and suggested someone was sabotaging his vehicles. It was stated that the licence


holder had been in business for a number of years and was aware of the expectations of the council concerning vehicle standards. As such the Licensing Committee was satisfied that these vehicles were not being maintained to the necessary standard and had no confidence that changes would be made and therefore revoked the hackney carriage licences under section 60(1) LGMPA 1976.


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