Agenda and draft minutes

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The Sub-Committee noted the information provided by way of the report. In particular the Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle’s MOT certificate expires in November 2026, with no advisories. The vehicle initially failed its annual taxi inspection test but then passed a retest on 30 January 2026. The Applicant was in attendance and was given a chance to address the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee commented that the vehicle appeared to be kept in a good and sound condition although noted the age of the vehicle was now above the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle licensing policy.

The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the vehicle was in a good and sound condition and that public safety would not be compromised by the granting of the licence sought.

Decision

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee granted the Private Hire Vehicle Licence Extension as detailed in the report with the additional condition that the vehicle undergoes a six-month vehicle test to monitor the condition of the vehicle due to its age.

The Sub-Committee noted the information provided by way of the report. In particular the Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle’s MOT certificate expires in October 2026, with one advisory. The vehicle initially failed its annual taxi inspection test but then passed a retest on 12 February 2026. The Applicant was in attendance and was given a chance to address the Sub-Committee and confirmed that the advisories had now been fixed.

The Sub-Committee commented that the vehicle appeared to be kept in a good and sound condition although noted the age of the vehicle was now above the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle licensing policy.

The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the vehicle was in a good and sound condition and that public safety would not be compromised by the granting of the licence sought.

Decision

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee granted the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Extension as detailed in the report with the additional condition that the vehicle undergoes a six-month vehicle test to monitor the condition of the vehicle due to its age.

The sub-committee noted that the application had been withdrawn.

Should the Committee wish to exclude the press and public during consideration of the items on this agenda, the following resolution should be passed:-

RECOMMENDED that, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting of the particular item(s) on the grounds that it involve(s) the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

It was proposed by Cllr Bradford and seconded by Cllr Horner that the meeting move into Part II for the next agenda items due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, and;

Resolved: unanimously that the meeting move into Part II due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

The Applicant did not attend the meetingand did not send a representative. The Sub-Committee noted that whilst the Applicant was not in attendance, the seriousness of the allegations meant that they felt they had no choice but to continue with the review of the licence in his absence due to concerns for public safety. 

Arisingfromconsiderationofthereport, evidence presentedandin accordancewith theCouncil’s procedurefor hearings,it was moved byCouncillor Rollason and secondedbyCouncillor Horner, and

RESOLVEDthat the HackneyCarriage Drivers Licencebe revokedunder Section 61 of theLocal Government (MiscellaneousProvisions) Act1976,so as to promote public safety. The Sub-Committee felt that the conductofthe Driver as setoutin theReport,supported its viewthatthey are not afitandproper personto hold sucha Licence.

Reasonsfor thedecision:

Members noted the information set out in the report and read out by the Licensing Officer who highlighted that the Sub-Committee and the Licensing Authority have a duty towards the public in ensuring licensed drivers are fit and proper. This is considered under the balance of probabilities test and if there is any doubt as to the Applicant’s fitness to be a taxi driver then a licence should not be given.

The Licensing Officer continued and explained that a licence has been granted in February 2024, and between July 2024 and August 2025, 7 complaints had been received. These complaints related to dangerous and erratic driving, incorrectly displaying plates and signage and parking on a rank in Exeter. After the first two complaints the Driver was met with and stated he was unaware that he had been driving inappropriately. He did acknowledge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 265.

The Applicant attended the meetingin person and did not bring a representative and he answeredquestionsputto himby theSub-Committee.

Arisingfromconsiderationofthereport, evidence presentedandin accordancewith theCouncil’s procedurefor hearings,it was moved byCouncillor Rollason and secondedbyCouncillor Horner, and

RESOLVEDthat the application for a new combined HackneyCarriage / Private HireDrivers Licencebe refusedunder Sections 51(1)(a) and 59(1)(a) of theLocal Government (MiscellaneousProvisions) Act1976,so as to promote public safety. The Sub-Committee felt that the conductofthe Applicant as setoutin theReport,supported its viewthatthey are not afitandproper personto hold sucha Licence.

Reasonsfor thedecision:

Members noted the information set out in the report and read out by the Licensing Officer who highlighted that the Sub-Committee and the Licensing Authority have a duty towards the public in ensuring licensed drivers are fit and proper. This is considered under the balance of probabilities test and if there is any doubt as to the Applicant’s fitness to be a taxi driver then a licence should not be given.

The Licensing Officer continued and explained that a licence has been applied for in August 2025 and the DBS showed that the Applicant had convictions for unlicensed soliciting persons for hire car services, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and making provisions for invitation/acceptance of/accept private hire booking without holding a licence. The offences were committed on 2 consecutive days  ...  view the full minutes text for item 266.