Taxi Driver Online

Redditch taxi driver loses appeals to keep his licence

A TAXI driver has lost appeals to keep his license after tyres on his cab were found to be so worn they were at risk of "imminent failure."

Redditch driver Tomasz Billing has been ordered to pay a £600 contribution towards costs after losing two appeals against Redditch Borough Council's decision to revoke his licence to drive private hire and Hackney carriage vehicles.

On March 19, the 39-year-old, of Mount Pleasant, lost an appeal at Hereford Crown Court.

This followed an earlier appeal before Kidderminster Magistrates on December 21 2023 when the court upheld the decision of the licensing committee to revoke his private hire driver’s licence.

The driver was referred to the Licensing Committee in August 2023 after the two front tyres on his private hire vehicle were found to be in an illegal condition and were so worn, they were at risk of imminent failure.

Members of the Licensing Committee also considered a complaint from a passenger who raised concerns about Mr Billing’s driving and loud music played throughout the journey.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) manages the licensing and condition checks on Private Hire Vehicles on behalf of Redditch Borough Council.

Head of WRS Simon Wilkes said: “Providing safe transport for our residents in vehicles which are well maintained is a high priority and one which the majority of our licence holders adhere to.

“We will continue to work with our drivers and customers to ensure they can travel around the Borough and beyond as safely as possible and they can be reassured that we will not tolerate potentially dangerous vehicle conditions and anti-social behaviour.”

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