Taxi Driver Online

Taxi company face having licence revoked as hearing called

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/252 ... ng-called/

A taxi company is facing having its licence revoked as the council calls for a special hearing.

Wright Taxis, which operates in West Dunbartonshire, has received six complaints from the local authority's Civic Standards Licensing Officer.

The firm has been called to a special hearing set to take place on Thursday, June 19, where they face having their licence suspended or revoked.

The council's licensing committee will consider the complaints and determine the action to be taken.

The nature of the complaints will be read out in the meeting; however, the licensing officer says the council can take action if management or another responsible person is no longer "a fit and proper person to hold the licence."

Over half of the complaints are against four plates owned by the firm, as well as two complaints against the offices.

Wright Taxis has been running out of Alexandria for more than 10 years, having first started operations in October 2009.

Their newest offices were opened by River City star Frank Gallagher in 2016 after the company grew from a 15-strong fleet to 45 in less than a decade.

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IDFIMH

Alexandria taxi director 'shouted and swore at councillors'

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/252 ... uncillors/

A taxi firm has learned of its fate after West Dunbartonshire Council held a special meeting to consider revoking its license today.

Allan Wright was called before a licensing committee on Thursday, June 19, after an incident with councillors had them questioning if he was a "fit and proper" person to hold a license.

The co-director of Wright Taxis, based in Alexandria, attended a committee meeting on April 16, where his nephew, Allan Aire, was up for a taxi license.

Councillors at the meeting made the decision to refuse Mr Aire's application on the grounds that he had been convicted two years previously of assault.

Mr Wright then got up from the public gallery and went to leave the room before shouting, "That's a f*****g disgrace, f*****g ridiculous."

He then pointed toward the chair of the committee, councillor Lawrence O'Neill, and said, "You'll be out soon."

It is understood that this was insinuating Cllr O'Neill would be voted out of his seat at the next local election.

Mr Wright's solicitor submitted an affidavit confirming the series of events.

His solicitor stated to the committee members that Mr Wright was there to provide "emotional support" to his nephew.

He said Mr Wright "regrettably behaved in a manner that was unacceptable" and did not refute the claims made by the committee.

His words were "born of frustration", his solicitor said, adding his behaviour at the time was "not in keeping with his person" and he was "deeply embarrassed."

Addressing the committee, Mr Wright said: " I regret upsetting anyone and I am here to say I'm sorry."

Cllr Gurpreet Singh Johal asked Mr Wright what he had heard that made him believe the committee had come to the wrong decision.

He answered that he wished his nephew had been given a "second chance".

Councillor Lawrence O'Neill went on to ask Mr Wright how the threat of losing the company's license had affected him.

Mr Wright said his actions had upset his wife and "panicked his workers" and that he had apologised to everyone who had been affected by his behaviour.

Cllr O'Neill added: "I have been chair of this committee twice across 14 years. I took your actions and comments very seriously.

"We are here to see that people are fit and proper to hold licenses. This is the first time in 14 years I've felt threatened."

He went on to reflect on the impact Mr Wright's actions had on his personal and family life.

The hearing was called to consider appropriate action to take against four taxi plates owned by Mr Wright and his fellow director, as well as two licenses held by the office.

The committee made the decision to issue a warning regarding future conduct for each license.

sounds like this was more to do with proving who was in control than public safety

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

If that fella talks to the committee that way heaven only knows how he will deal with a half iffy punter.

I think the bloke was lucky not to have received a suspension at the least.

It’s worth mentioning again about the quasi judicial nature of these hearings. If the fella had said that in court he would be leaving it from a different door to the one he entered.

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IDFIMH