Private hire driver from Aylesbury loses licence after High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court refuse appeal

High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court have refused the appeal of a private hire driver from Meredith Drive, Aylesbury who had his licence revoked after he was convicted of battery.

The man had held his private hire driver licence since 2010 however it was revoked in September 2014 after he was convicted of battery following an incident involving a female passenger.

The man said that, although he was guilty of the offence it was out of character and that he regretted it.

Aylesbury Vale District Council argued that he breached the authority’s strict policy relating to the conduct of hackney carriage and private hire drivers.

The policy states that as drivers maintain close contact with the public, any conviction for violence will be taken seriously.

It also says that drivers are often subject to unpleasant or dishonest behaviour but this cannot excuse any aggressive or abusive conduct on behalf of the driver.

The court upheld the council’s decision and ruled that the man was not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver’s licence. He was ordered to pay £1,160 towards the council’s costs.

Councillor Judy Brandis, Chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: ‘We welcome the results of this case and the confirmation that the council’s decision was the right one. The protection of the travelling public is of paramount importance to us.

People have the right to feel safe when using a licensed taxi or private hire service and should expect fit and proper drivers to transport them.

We will continue to act against any taxi or private hire drivers tarnishing the trade with dangerous or illegal actions and hope this serves as a warning.‘