Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information

The Chairman moved, it was seconded and

RESOLVED:  That as public discussion would disclose exempt information, the following matters be considered in private.

The Panel is invited to consider what action should be taken in respect of a Private Hire Licence.

The Licensing and Appeals Committee, sitting as a Panel, was asked to consider whether any action was appropriate in respect of a Private Hire Vehicle Driver licence holder following allegations of false imprisonment/kidnapping.  A dispute had arisen over whether a fare was prepaid or metred. 

Careful consideration was given to the information provided in the report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive, the Licensing Policy and national guidance.  It was clear that public safety was an overriding concern and of paramount importance and that licensed drivers should not take the law into their own hands. 

The Panel took into account all of the evidence provided, including a verbal account from the driver, and felt that it should have been clarified with the operator at the start of the journey whether a fare had been agreed.  The Panel also considered the action taken by the driver inappropriate in light of national guidance.

For these reasons, the Panel

RESOLVED:  That the licence be suspended for a 3 month period.