Luton Borough Council

09/07/2024 - Luton private hire driver loses appeal against revoked licence

A taxi driver has lost his appeal against the decision of Luton Council to revoke his Private Hire Drivers licence. The appeal was dismissed with costs of £1,612.90 awarded to the Luton Council.

The council issued an Immediate Revocation of Mr Rahman’s Private Hire Drivers licence in May 2023 following the receipt of information with regards to inappropriate behaviour towards a female passenger.

Mr Achadur Rahman of Whitby Road, Luton appealed the council’s decision, and the appeal was heard at Luton Magistrates Court on the 21 June 2024 at which the Magistrates dismissed the appeal and awarded costs incurred by the council in defending the action taken.

The court in Luton was completely satisfied on hearing the evidence from the council that he was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence as the comments supported the serious allegation. The court decided the council was not wrong in their decision to immediately revoke the licence in the interests of the protection of public safety, and therefore dismissed the appeal.

Councillor Maria Lovell, portfolio holder responsible for community safety at Luton Council, said: “We have a duty to ensure public safety and confidence in our licenced drivers. If we believe a licensed driver is failing, we will not hesitate to take action and in this case it meant revoking his licence.

“We are pleased that the court agreed with our decision and that members of the public continue to be assured of their safety when using drivers holding a licence issued by the council.”

The council has a duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a taxi or private hire vehicle driver’s licence is a fit and proper person to be a licensee and the safeguarding of the public is paramount.