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Posted on the 21st November 2024 in PHTM News
BUCKS TAXI AND PRIVATE DRIVER LICENCE REFUSALS FOR SEX CRIMES DRUGS AND PHONE USE
Buckinghamshire Council has refused licences to taxi drivers over serious offences including sex crimes, drug use and using mobile phones while driving.
In the year to September 30, 2024, 53 cabbie applications were rejected, more than double the previous year's figure of 20.
The council's principal licensing officer, Simon Gallacher, said: "Although this represents only four per cent of total applications, it highlights the importance of maintaining high standards."
Common reasons for refusal included:
- Motoring offences: Driving without insurance and using mobile phones.
- Dishonesty: Failing to disclose offences and providing false information.
- Criminal convictions: Sex offences, drug possession, knife possession, burglary, theft, battery, fraud, dangerous driving, speeding, and licensing offences.
- DVLA disqualifications.
The council successfully defended itself in six out of seven driver appeals, with costs awarded in several cases.
In addition to licence refusals, 26 drivers had their licences revoked, and ten vehicle licences were revoked including for motoring offences, such as using phones at the wheel and driving under the influence of drugs.
Violence offences, including one murder investigation and arrests for assault and criminal damage, were among the other reasons.
Dishonesty, such as failing to notify authorities of arrests, convictions, or changes in personal details, was also a ‘significant factor’, according to the council’s annual report.
Other grounds included safeguarding concerns, medical unfitness to drive, and ‘serious concerns’ over driving standards and judgement.
Meanwhile, ten vehicle licences were revoked during the period, most of which were due to taxis sustaining ‘significant damage’ in accidents.
The licensing service received 310 online complaints in the year to September 30, 2024, slightly less than the 335 received during the previous 12-month reporting period.
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