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Posted on the 8th April 2025 in PHTM News
SHOCKING NUMBER OF REGULATORY BREACHES AND LICENCE SUSPENSIONS IN HUNTINGDONSHIRE
A startling report revealing a surge in driver convictions, dangerous vehicle defects, and regulatory breaches has led to a wave of taxi and private hire licence suspensions and revocations in Huntingdonshire.
Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) figures, covering October 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025, detail a concerning pattern of safety lapses.
The report, presented to the HDC licensing and protection committee, disclosed that six drivers, 30 vehicles, and two operators faced licence action.
"Of the six drivers, three had their licence suspended, two had theirs refused, and one was revoked," the report stated, citing reasons ranging from overdue medical assessments and failure to report accidents to a lack of valid DBS certificates and "fit and proper" concerns.
Vehicle safety emerged as a significant issue, with 14 vehicle licences facing action in the first three months alone. "10 were suspended over three counts of dangerous defects, having no insurance, and six counts of accident damage," officials revealed.
Since the start of 2025, another 16 vehicle licences have been affected, primarily due to dangerous and major defects.
Operators haven't escaped scrutiny, with two facing licence action for failing to provide information and breaching conditions.
"In October 2024, a private hire operator had their licence suspended as they were unable to be contacted and failed to provide information to the council," the report noted.
HDC officials emphasised their commitment to public safety. "The safety of vehicles and the ‘fit and proper’ status of drivers and operators is of the utmost importance to us," a council spokesperson said. "Our licensing team works hard to ensure high standards are maintained through regular checks, inspections, and robust action where needed.
"We want the public to feel confident that licensed drivers and vehicles in our district are safe and properly regulated – something that matters for the thousands of journeys taken across Huntingdonshire every year."
The council has also implemented a penalty points system to further enforce regulations and ensure compliance.
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