Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of interest from Members on items included in this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

An apology was received from Councillor Parker (Councillor Sweeney was a substitute for Councillor Parker) and Councillor Johnson (Councillor Julie Cooper was a substitute for Councillor Johnson).

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the attached report, because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 7 in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved:-               That the public be excluded from the meeting during

consideration of the following items because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 7 contained within Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972

DRIVER – Mr DB

The Committee considered a report concerning Mr DB, a current holder of a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers licence.  Consideration of this report was deferred at the 6 March meeting to ensure that Mr DB received the necessary paperwork. 

Mr DB was present at the meeting and was accompanied by Mr T Colclough. Mr DB explained the circumstances surrounding the 2 offences which had been notified to the Council outside of the time period set out in the guidance.

The Committee took into account the circumstances surrounding the offence but mindful of the short period of time in which they had occurred, reinforced the need to ensure careful and mindful driving at all times.  The Committee also reinforced the requirement to inform the authority of any offences within 7 days.

Resolved:     That Mr DB be sent   a strongly worded warning letter setting out the need to comply with the guidance

Driver – Mr JHJ

The Committee considered a new application for a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence from Mr JHJ. The application process had shown a conviction that fell within the guidelines for the relevance of convictions.

Mr JHJ was present at the meeting and was represented by Mr Khan from Shahban Solicitors. Mr Khan explained the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the remorse felt by Mr JHJ.  The Committee carefully considered the nature of the issue under consideration together with the amount of time that had elapsed. Members of the Committee also noted the poor level of spoken English of the applicant.

Resolved:     That Mr JAF be granted a licence for a period of 12 months, at the end of this period if no further offences have occurred the licence to be renewed administratively.     

Driver – Mr AKS

The Committee considered a new application for a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence from Mr AKS. The report set out offences which had been committed contrary to the Councils policy.  Mr AKS was present at the meeting and was accompanied by Mr T Colclough. 

Mr AKS explained the circumstances which led to the offences which had occurred a considerable time ago.  He set out the steps he had taken to address his circumstances in the years that followed together with the training undertaken related to his employment.

Resolved:     That the licence be granted.

Driver – Mr NI

The Committee considered an application by Mr. NI for the renewal of a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers Licence. Mr NI had failed to notify the Council of a conviction within the seven day period contrary to the Authority’s policy. Mr NI was present at the meeting and was represented by Mr. Murtaza Alam.  Mr Tariq Mehmood was present as an observer.

Mr Alam explained the circumstances surrounding the offence. 

Resolved:     That Mr NI be granted a renewal of his licence and Mr NI be sent a warning letter setting out the requirement to observe the conditions required by the authority.

Driver – Mr FB

The Committee considered a report concerning Mr FB, a current Dual licensed driver who had committed an offence which he had notified to the authority.

 Mr FB was present at the meeting and was represented by his solicitor Mr Khan.  Mr Tariq Mehmood was also present as an observer.  Mr Khan referred to his client’s appearance at the Magistrates court when it was decided not to revoke his driving licence.  The Committee took into consideration the previously good driving record of the applicant.

Resolved:     That Mr FB be sent a warning letter.

Driver – Mr SMM

Resolved:     That consideration of the complaint against Mr MI be deferred to allow Mr MI to be represented.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The Committee considered a report concerning a complaint received in relation to Mr SMM, a current Dual licensed driver.  Mr SMM was present at the meeting was represented by Mr Wasir.

The Committee accepted the explanation given by the driver and his representative and allowed the licence to continue.  Notwithstanding this it was explained to the driver how the Committee viewed the seriousness of the allegations and reinforced the requirements of drivers to maintain a professional approach at all times.

Resolved:     That Mr SMM be issued with a stern warning with regard to future conduct.

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100(B)4 of the Local Government Act.

There were no items of urgent business.