Stratford Council Revokes Claremont Cars' Licence Due to Safety Violations

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has revoked the private hire operator licence of Claremont Cars, based in Honeybourne, Evesham, citing multiple breaches of public safety regulations under Section 62a of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

The council’s decision followed ongoing non-compliance by Claremont Cars, even after earlier enforcement action. In July 2024, the council had already revoked the dual driver licence of the company’s owner following a Licensing Panel hearing. Despite this, the firm was allowed to continue operating under its existing private hire operator licence. However, further breaches raised serious concerns regarding passenger safety and regulatory disregard.

Offences included operating vehicles without valid private hire licences, allowing unlicensed individuals to drive licensed taxis, and using untaxed vehicles over a 15-day period. Additional failures included not informing the council about vehicle damage on time, poor recordkeeping of passenger journeys, and skipping the required twice-yearly MOT and compliance checks. One of the most serious violations involved allowing an uninsured, unlicensed person to drive a private hire vehicle.

Julie Lewis, Head of Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, stated:

"Public safety is our highest priority. The deliberate operation of private hire vehicles without proper licensing or insurance puts passengers and other road users at unacceptable risk."

”The licensing system is in place to protect the public. Operators and drivers who fail to comply with these legal requirements will be held to account. We take these matters very seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate.”