Driver’s Fourth Licence Refusal Highlights Safety and Trust Issues

A driver with a history of drink driving, speeding, and previous licence refusals has once again been denied a private hire licence by Stockton Council. This marks the fourth time the motorist has been refused after previous rejections in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and a revocation in 2012. Similar cases have been reported across the UK, including a Glasgow man denied a private hire licence over drink driving history, highlighting concerns over road safety and passenger security.

The licensing committee ruled that the driver was not a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence, citing his history of traffic offences, failure to declare past applications, and concerns about his approach to road safety. Despite his claims of being a reformed individual, the committee found his record and attitude towards driving incompatible with the responsibilities of a licensed taxi driver.

Driver’s History of Offences

The applicant's driving record included multiple serious offences spanning nearly two decades. In 2010, he was granted a private hire licence, but within six months, he received a speeding conviction and was issued two warnings. In January 2012, he was convicted of drink driving and cannabis possession, which led to a 14-month driving ban and the revocation of his taxi licence.

Further offences followed, including a drink driving conviction in 2014, which resulted in a three-year driving ban, later reduced by nine months after completing a rehabilitation course. In 2022 and 2023, he was caught speeding while transporting a child passenger and currently holds six active penalty points on his driving licence.

When questioned about his history, the driver admitted to overtaking another vehicle while speeding. He explained his 2012 drink driving incident by stating that he had been drinking at a friend's house but insisted that he did not have an alcohol addiction, calling his behaviour "careless."

Council’s Assessment and Decision

During his recent application, the driver argued that he had matured, changed his lifestyle, and no longer associated with the same social circle. He stated:

"I was immature, careless, and reckless, but I am now an honest, changed person."

He also mentioned that he had not consumed alcohol for eight years and had been safely driving large passenger vehicles, including minibuses, for over a decade. He claimed to have a stable life with a mortgage and children, which, in his view, demonstrated responsibility.

However, the committee expressed concerns about his recent speeding offences and failure to declare previous refusals on his application. He admitted that he did not see a speed camera while driving a child passenger and stated:

"I was caught off-guard and was not paying attention. I would have slowed down if I had seen the speed camera."

The committee found this response troubling, highlighting that a professional driver should always be attentive and aware of speed limits, especially when transporting passengers. They were also concerned that rather than acknowledging the importance of adhering to speed limits, the driver seemed to suggest he would only slow down if he noticed enforcement measures.

The licensing committee ultimately ruled that they could not trust the applicant to transport members of the public safely. They stated:

"The committee were not satisfied that they would allow people for whom they care to enter a vehicle with the driver."

Due to the driver’s previous convictions, recent speeding offences, and failure to disclose key information, the council unanimously rejected his application for a private hire licence.