STRATFORD TAXI DRIVER RECEIVES EIGHT WEEK SUSPENSION AFTER LICENSING PANEL DECISION

A taxi driver from Stratford-upon-Avon has had his licence suspended for a period of eight weeks following allegations of an assault on another driver licensed by another authority.

The driver, who has been licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council for the last 38 years was the subject of a complaint from a driver licensed by another local authority who alleged that he was assaulted in June 2024 on Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon.

The out-of-town driver also reported the incident to Warwickshire Police. The complaint was then withdrawn by the complainant.

Given the evidence already provided and for reasons of public safety the Licensing Department continued to investigate.

At a Licensing Panel meeting on 20 November 2024, the driver acknowledged and took some accountability for his behaviour during the incident.

The driver, by his own admission, agreed that his behaviour fell below that of what is expected by the licensing authority and its licensed drivers.

The panel noted that the incident was serious. However, the panel did not consider that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the driver's behaviour was likely to pose a threat to the safety of passengers, as such it considered revocation of his Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence disproportionate.

The panel did however agree that some action was required to emphasise to the driver the importance of complying with the council's policies and conditions as applied to licensed taxi drivers in the interests of the public.

Accordingly, the panel resolved to suspend the drivers Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver's Licence for a period of eight weeks.

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, said: "Public safety is of vital importance when it comes to considering whether a driver is fit and proper to hold a licence.

"In protecting public safety, we expect our drivers to maintain the high standard that is expected of them and their licensed vehicles."

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