Agenda item

(This item contains personal information regarding applicants and licence holders which is exempt from publication by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972)

The Sub-Committee was informed of an applicant and existing drivers who had given sufficient cause for concern as to be referred to the Sub-Committee for consideration.

Members discussed the application and referrals as follows:

(i)                 A.T.H (New Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver applicant)

Mr Marshall advised that the applicant was unable to attend due to a personal commitment and had requested that the Sub-Committee defer consideration of the case until the next meeting on 13 March 2018.

Resolved: To defer consideration of the case until the next meeting on 13 March 2018 to allow the applicant an additional opportunity to attend.

(ii)               S.W (Existing Hackney Carriage Driver)

Mr Marshall presented the Authority’s case. He advised Members that the vehicle operated by the driver had been presented for inspection to Council mechanics in a poor mechanical state and well below the standards outlined within the Exceptional Quality Policy guidelines. He added that the driver had done so before on separate occasions and had a track record for sub-standard maintenance.

Mr Andrew Salthouse, Vehicle Mechanic, Blackpool Council was also in attendance and provided technical advice on the nature and severity of some of the faults identified with the vehicle.

The driver, who was in attendance, apologised for the state of the vehicle as presented for inspection and claimed he had rectified all of the faults identified with the vehicle following the inspection.

The Sub-Committee were minded to take serious action given the driver’s appearance before them previously under similar circumstances and given that no supporting evidence was provided to substantiate his claims about remedial works that had been carried out on the vehicle.

Resolved:

1.      The vehicle will not be permitted to be re-tested and re-licensed when its existing certificate of compliance expires.

2.      To issue a final severe warning letter in relation on the Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence in relation to future conduct indicating that if the driver were brought before the Sub-Committee again, suspension or revocation would be the likely outcome.

(iii)             T.S (Existing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver)

Mr Marshall presented the Authority’s case. He advised that the vehicle operated by the driver was subject to the Exceptional Quality Policy and had been found to have serious defects during an inspection.

The driver was in attendance and explained that in relation to the serious maintenance defects identified on the vehicle he operated, he had rectified all of those faults and circulated copies of receipts that he suggested validated his claim. He added that some of the faults would be difficult for a driver to spot during a daily check of the vehicle.

The Sub-Committee reasoned that the driver had demonstrated a level of disregard for public safety in allowing a vehicle in his care to deteriorate to such a degree. In addition, he had shown a lack of understanding and awareness of his maintenance responsibilities.

Resolved:

1.      The vehicle will not be permitted to be re-tested and re-licensed when its existing certificate of compliance expires.

2.      To issue a severe warning letter in relation on the Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence in relation to future conduct indicating that if the driver were brought before the Sub-Committee again, suspension or revocation would be the likely outcome.

Background papers: exempt