Taxi / minicab driver fails in licence appealMagistrates have upheld a decision to revoke a Banbury taxi driver’s licence which was imposed after he failed to declare a previous police caution for drug possession.
Abad Hussain, 38, of Grimsbury Drive, was cautioned by police officers in November 2011 after they discovered cannabis inside his taxi.
In March, Cherwell District Council officers revoked a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire driver license after receiving the results of a routine check on his criminal history as part of the renewal application process.
On losing his licence, Hussain launched an appeal against Cherwell’s decision, which was heard at Banbury Magistrates’ Court on July 11.
But magistrates stated the council’s decision had been correct and dismissed the appeal.
Hussain was ordered to pay £1,500 costs to the council.
Councillor Tony Ilott, lead member for public protection, said: “Public safety is of paramount importance to Cherwell so it is essential that roles which require people to work with the public are carefully scrutinised.
“We need to be sure the drivers we are licencing to work are not just fit and proper for the job, but reflect the requirements of the residents.”
Cherwell guidelines say that an applicant must be clear of any drug offences for a minimum of three years before they will be considered for licensing.
Following the discovery, Hussain also had a licence revoked by West Oxfordshire District Council as his dishonesty meant he no longer fitted the requirements of being ‘fit and proper’ for the job.
He did not appeal the decision of West Oxfordshire District Council.
source:
http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/l ... -1-5322585