Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee - 13 November 2025

The meeting began with the election of a chairman. Councillor J. Martin moved, and Councillor Batters seconded, a motion that Councillor O’Keefe be appointed chairman for the session. No declarations of interest were recorded.

The chairman, seconded by Councillor J. Martin, moved a resolution to exclude the press and public from the consideration of two agenda items, citing the Local Government Act 1972 as amended. The exclusion was justified on the basis that the matters involved the potential disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals.

The first substantive item concerned the licence of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle driver WD213. The Licensing Officer’s report was examined, and WD213 attended, spoke in support of his application, and answered questions. After reviewing police evidence of drug possession, driving while unfit, and failure to notify the council of his arrest, the committee resolved to revoke WD213’s licence with immediate effect under Section 61(2B) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, citing public safety and the driver’s lack of fitness and propriety.

The second item dealt with the Hackney Carriage Vehicle licence WV168. Although the holder was not present, he had previously submitted a written statement. The committee considered police reports of arrest for driving while unfit, possession of a controlled substance, and an accident involving stopped vehicles. On the same grounds of public safety and the holder’s failure to meet the statutory “fit and proper” criteria, the committee resolved to revoke licence WV168. Both decisions were recorded as reasonable, proportionate, and necessary to protect the public.