Agenda item

Application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence (14:00)

Minutes:

The Chair invited Elaine Moreton, Section Leader (Licensing) and the Applicant (AH) into the Hearing, made introductions and outlined the procedure to be followed.

 

The Section Leader (Licensing), outlined the report regarding an application for a Private Hire Driver Licence, which had been circulated to all parties in advance of the meeting.  The matter had been referred to the Sub-Committee in accordance with Guidelines Relating to Relevance of Convictions and Breaches of Licence Conditions, specifically paragraph 5.1.10(b).

 

All parties were invited to question the Section Leader (Licensing) on the report.  No questions were asked.

 

SR confirmed that the information contained within the report was accurate but pointed out that the two convictions from 2009 related to the same incident.

 

SR said that the incident that led to his convictions for the possession of an offensive weapon and the use of disorderly behaviour or words had been the result of him intervening in an argument between his brother and another man.  He was only in possession of a crooklock as he had taken it off his brother.

 

All parties were invited to question the Applicant on his submission.

 

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee, SR stated the following:

 

·     The 2002 conviction for destroying property was for accidently breaking a window whilst playing football;

·     He no longer held a PHVD Licence with Dudley MBC as he had not renewed it;

·     He had chosen to apply to Wolverhampton as there were too many taxi bases in Stourbridge, where he lived.  He also hoped to work for 24/7 Cars, who had a base in Wolverhampton;

·     He had been working as Security at New Cross Hospital for the past year and was SIA registered;

·     The incident for which he was convicted in 2009 had taught him not to get involved in other peoples’ problems.  Should an incident occur if he was granted a Licence he would attempt to calm the situation by speaking to the perpetrators before calling the Police if necessary.  Working at New Cross he had experience of dealing with aggressive situations.

 

In response to a question from the Section Leader (Licensing),

 

SR and the Section Leader (Licensing) left the room to allow the Sub-Committee to determine the matter.

 

The Chair invited SR and the Section Leader (Licensing) back into the Hearing.

 

The Chair detailed the decision of the Sub-Committee, which was read out in full by J. Bramley, Senior Solicitor.

 

Resolved

          That, having considered all the evidence presented at the Hearing, both written and oral, the Sub-Committee agree to grant a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence for a period of 12 months.  The Licence is subject to SR passing the knowledge test and a satisfactory medical, if he hasn’t already done so.  The Licence is also subject to review by Licensing Services in six months time.

 

The Applicant has a right of appeal, against the decision of the Sub-Committee, to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receipt of this decision.

 

The Senior Solicitor detailed the appeals process as well as the costs and potential costs to the Applicant.

 

SR and the Section Leader (Licensing) left the room.

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