A taxi driver licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been suspended for 14 days by the District Council's Licensing Panel, for failing to report driving convictions on his driver renewal application form.
The driver, licensed for 11 years, failed to inform the Licensing Authority of these convictions and did not disclose these convictions as required on two subsequent renewal applications submitted by him.
The convictions had occurred when the driver was not on duty as a taxi driver and although he had not been disqualified by the Court, a total of 12 points had accrued on his licence.
The District Council's Policy and Conditions for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers states: 'the proprietor of a licensed vehicle should notify the Council in writing of any conviction or caution recorded against him or of any penalty points incurred within 7 days of such a conviction being imposed.'
The driver apologised and said he did not realise he had to notify the District Council about the penalty points.
The driver was also issued with a Formal Written warning as to his future conduct.
The decision can be appealed to the Magistrate's Court.
Any such appeal must be brought within 21 days from the date on which the notice of the decision is serve. The Licensing Panel Committee took place on Wednesday 6 September.
Policy and Conditions for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers
The driver shall notify the Council in writing within seven days of:
(a) change in name or address
(b) change in employer
(c) any convictions, motoring or otherwise (including fixed penalty), or any caution he has received
(d) any medical condition that may affect their ability to drive. A medical examination may be required
Penalty Points on Renewal Applications
(a) Applicants for renewal of licences should have no more than SIX current penalty points on their DVLA licence
(b) If the points are awarded for MINOR offences the applicant may be referred to the General Purposes Licensing Committee following consultation with the Licensing Chairman
(c) If the points are awarded for MAJOR offences the applicant WILL be referred to the General Purposes Licensing Committee
(d)Applicants with more than six current penalty points will be referred to the General Purposes Licensing Committee for determination of the application
(e) Applicants for renewal of licences must be free from new convictions and cautions since the date of the grant of their last licence.
