Taxi Driver Online

Woking taxi drivers with criminal convictions to face new licensing rules in light of Rotherham scandal



The new policy spells out which crimes would prevent taxi drivers being granted a licence

Taxi drivers with criminal convictions in Woking could be subject to new licensing rules in response to guidelines produced following the Rotherham sex abuse scandal.

Hackney carriage and private hire drivers who have not been convicted, but have been arrested or charged on more than one occasion for a "serious offence", could be denied licences under the change in policy.

The move comes as Woking Borough Council looks to sharpen up its policy after taxi drivers in Rotherham were found to be involved in child sex-grooming and the Local Government Association produced best practice guidelines.

On Tuesday the council’s licensing committee voted to recommend the new policy to full council for approval.

The current document, written around 1980, is considered to be "too broad to cover the multitude of offences".

A report put to the committee read: “Whilst nothing at all like the events that took place in Rotherham have taken place in Woking, by improving the policy and ensuring it is clear where the council stands on the issuing of licences to offenders, it will hopefully minimise the risk not just to the general public, but also the risk to the status of Woking Borough Council should someone re-offend.”

'Considered on its individual merits'

The new policy stipulates the committee’s stance on those convicted of violence, dishonesty, sexual offences, drinking and drug-related offences and driving offences.

It also states someone who has not been convicted but "could be a danger to the public" after more than one charge or arrest, could have a licence application refused.

“Each case will be considered on its individual merits and, where the circumstances justify, the officer/sub-committee may depart from the guidelines,” it reads.

“A criminal history in itself may not automatically result in refusal and a current conviction for a serious crime need not bar an applicant permanently from becoming licensed.

“In most cases, an applicant would be expected to remain free from conviction for three to 10 years, according to circumstances, before an application can be considered.

"However, there may be occasions when an application can be allowed before three years free from conviction have elapsed.”

During the meeting, Councillor Debbie Harlow questioned senior licensing officer, Matthew Cobb, on the process for revoking or denying a licence for those without convictions, based on a case they "had been dealing with".

“It is down to the licensing committee to deem when someone is fit and proper,” he said.

Concerns were raised by Canalside Councillor Mohammad Ali over the livelihoods of drivers.

“In a lot of cases, these taxi drivers, this is their only source of income, these punishments are in addition to what they would have already served,” he said.

“Barring someone for five years, 10 years, could have huge implications, not just for them but for their family.”

In response, St Johns Councillor Ken Howard said: “These aren’t things you do by accident.

“When a taxi driver commits an offence such as those he does so in full knowledge that he may be risking his livelihood.

“I would have little sympathy, frankly."

source: http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey- ... s-11456779

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Stable door and horse spring to mind??

Councils have always been able to take a more flexible approach to the 'fit and proper' issue.

Its just a shame that 100s of sex attacks by drivers has made councils actually realise that.

_________________
IDFIMH