Taxi Driver Online

Another Bucks Council appeal to the Crown Court


Crown Court backs Council decision to refuse private hire licence

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/news ... e-licence/

Buckinghamshire Council has successfully defended its decision in court to refuse the renewal of a private hire driver’s licence due to unsatisfactory driving standards.

This outcome reinforces the Council’s commitment to prioritising public safety when licensing taxis and private hire drivers.

Mr Nawaz’s licence was refused in May 2024 after officers identified a pattern of increasingly poor driving. The most recent incident was the most serious, leading the Council to conclude he could no longer be considered a safe licensed driver.

Mr Nawaz first appealed the decision at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, where it was dismissed. He then appealed to the Crown Court on 10 December 2025, which also upheld the Council’s decision, agreeing that Mr Nawaz was not suitable to hold a licence and finding no compelling reason to depart from the Council’s policy on driver suitability.

The Crown Court confirmed there were no exceptional circumstances to override the Council’s policy, which prioritises passenger safety, ensures fairness and consistency, and acts as a deterrent. The Court noted that departing from this policy would undermine these principles, and its clarity benefits both passengers and licence holders.

This marks the 14th consecutive taxi and private hire licensing appeal this year decided in the Council’s favour, with courts awarding a total of £39,026.05 in costs. These outcomes underline the Council’s robust approach to public safety.

Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory Services, said:

“The safety and wellbeing of the public remain Buckinghamshire Council’s highest priority. Public confidence in our taxi and private hire services depends on trust in both vehicles and drivers, which is why we apply our licensing policies rigorously. Confidence in the system is also important for those who provide taxi and private hire services.

“We will continue to ensure that only those who are truly fit and proper are granted licences, and that any breaches—including motoring offences—are taken seriously.

“Our 100% success rate in defending appeals this year demonstrates the strength and fairness of our approach. The courts’ consistent support reinforces our commitment to protecting passengers and maintaining the integrity of our licensing system.”

When I skimmed that I initially thought this driver had a £39k costs award against him

No word of the actual sum in this case, though - but wasn't the Bucks one a few weeks ago around £7k?

But this is another crown court appeal, as was the last one. I'd guess most won't go past the magistrates' court

And maybe the council just issues a news release if it gets to the crown court.

it's nice to see a council sticking to it's guns over driver standards

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

Yes, it makes a pleasant change. Pity TfL doesn't take the same stand against the likes of uber drivers.

I beg to differ.

The success rate is not down to the council being supa dupa, it's down to stupid drivers not knowing the law.

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IDFIMH

And the above comment has really got my goat. Court cases are not a f***ing game.

Just because one side succeeds at court doesn't mean they are always right.

Sometimes, folks don't turn up, or they can't afford to fund legal representation (against a bottomless pit of cash that councils always seem to find). More often than not, a council will win by default.

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IDFIMH