Urgent Driver/Operator/Vehicle Sub Committee - 3 July 2026

The Cornwall Council Licensing Committee convened to consider a review of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence. Councillor O’Keefe was elected Chairman for the meeting. No declarations of interest were made. The committee resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting under the Local Government Act 1972, as the business involved information relating to an individual.

The committee considered a report from the Licensing Officer regarding an application for a licence review concerning driver WD233. The applicant and two representatives attended, spoke in support, and answered questions. The committee also heard details of an alleged assault on WD233 by another driver, whose licence had been revoked, and noted that WD233 had not retaliated due to concerns about his own licence.

After deliberation, the committee resolved to take no formal action against WD233’s licence, as they considered him a fit and proper person. The reasons included insufficient evidence to support the allegations against him, medical examination reports confirming he met Group 2 DVLA requirements, and the view that his conduct during the assault did not indicate unfitness. The committee applied the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and concluded they would allow a person for whom they care to travel alone with WD233 at any time.

The committee emphasised its overriding duty to protect the public and public safety. Taking all evidence and submissions into account, members determined that there was no reasonable cause to take action. Item UDOL/4 on the agenda was withdrawn prior to the meeting and was not considered.