Wealden cab driver has licence revoked

Wednesday, 15 February 2023 14:22

By Lee Everest @laeverest

A private hire driver has had his licence revoked by Wealden District Council.

It follows a recent meeting of the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee when members took the decision to revoke the driver’s Wealden Dual Driver’s Licence.

The committee heard that while carrying out a routine process in respect of drivers’ licences, it was found that the driver had a current endorsement on his DVLA driving licence for nine penalty points.

The penalty points followed a conviction for driving without due care and attention when the driver collided with a parked car.

While the driver had reported the accident, he did not make the council aware of the subsequent motoring conviction and DVLA points he received.

It was also found that the driver had not reported the offence to the council within the required timeframe. The council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Handbook states that a driver should, within seven days, disclose to the council in writing details of any charges, convictions, and cautions of any kind imposed on them during the period of the licence.

Councillor Richard Grocock, the chair of the council committee said, “In this case, the behaviour of the driver fell considerably below the standards expected by Wealden District Council, due to the nature of the accident and the failure to report it.

“The driver is not a fit and proper person to hold a Dual Driver’s Licence with the council and the driver’s Dual Driver’s Licence has therefore been revoked.”

Following the decision the driver was notified of their right to appeal to the Magistrates’ Court.