FIT AND PROPER
74 TAXI DRIVER COMPLAINTS IN TWO YEARS TELFORD & WREKIN COUNCIL REVEALS
Telford and Wrekin Council has disclosed that 74 complaints were lodged against cabbies over the past two years, according to a Freedom of Information request. Of those, 51 involved drivers licensed by Telford & Wrekin, while 23 related to drivers licensed by other authorities. The council responded with a range of actions, including licence revocations, mandatory re-testing, and formal warnings. A council spokesperson outlined the council’s rigorous licensing procedures, which include checks such as DVLA reviews, medicals, criminal background checks, and
right-to-work verifications. They also highlighted measures such as taxi meter testing, ID badges and undercover operations to ensure compliance. Addressing the issue of cross- border operations, the spokes- person noted: “Recognising that drivers licensed in one area may operate across boundaries, we collaborate with Wolverhampton, South Staffs, and Shropshire to maintain consistent standards.” For complaints against drivers licensed elsewhere, the council said it shares information with the relevant authorities. “Where complaints are received about
drivers working in T&W but licensed with another authority, that information is shared with the relevant authority allowing them to take appropriate action,” the spokesperson confirmed. The council also revealed that 43 taxis in their fleet are equipped with CCTV, with plans for further installations. “Every complaint is promptly investigated, and we
will not
hesitate to prosecute those who break the rules designed to keep people safe – our top priority – or undermine legitimate drivers who work hard to provide a safe service,” the spokesperson added.
SHOCKING NUMBER OF REGULATORY BREACHES AND LICENCE SUSPENSIONS IN HUNTINGDONSHIRE
A startling report revealing a surge in driver convictions, dangerous vehicle defects, and regulatory breaches has led to a wave of sus- pensions and revocations in Huntingdonshire. Huntingdonshire DC figures, covering October 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025, detail a concerning pattern of safety lapses. A report, presented to HDC licensing and protection committee, disclosed that six drivers, 30 vehicles, and two operators faced licence action. “Of the six drivers, three had their licence suspended, two had theirs refused, and one was revoked,” the report stated, citing reasons ranging from overdue medical assessments and failure to report accidents to a lack of valid DBS certificates and “fit and proper”
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concerns. Vehicle safety emerged as a significant issue, with 14 vehicle licences facing action in the first three months alone. “10 were suspended over three counts of dangerous defects, having no insurance, and six counts of accident damage,” officials said. Since the start of 2025, another 16 vehicle licences have
been
affected, primarily due to dangerous and major defects. Operators haven’t escaped scrutiny, with two facing licence action for failing to
information to the council,” the report noted. A council spokesperson stated: “The safety of vehicles and the ‘fit and proper’ status of drivers and operators is of the utmost importance to us. Our licensing team works hard to ensure high standards are maintained through regular checks, inspections, and robust action where needed. “We want the public to
feel provide
information and breaching conditions. “In October 2024, a private hire operator had their licence suspended as they were unable to be contacted and failed to provide
confident that licensed drivers and vehicles in our district are safe and properly regulated – something that matters for the thousands of journeys taken across Hunting- donshire every year.” The council has also implemented a penalty points system to further enforce regulations and ensure compliance.
MAY 2025 PHTM
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