Issue - meetings

To consider an application by Mr B

(separate copy for sub-committee members only)

DECISION

That the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney vehicle / private hire driver's licence from Gwynedd Council.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. He highlighted that the decision would be made in accordance with Cyngor Gwynedd's Licensing Policy. It was noted that the purpose of the policy was to set guidelines for the criteria when considering the applicant's application, with the aim of protecting the public by ensuring that:

• The person is a fit and proper person

• The person does not pose a threat to the public

• The public are safeguarded from dishonest persons

• Children and young people are protected

• Vulnerable persons are protected

• That the public can be confident in the use of licensed vehicles

The Licensing Manager submitted the written report on the application received from Mr B to renew a hackney/private hire driver’s licence. The Sub-committee was requested to consider the application relating to the individual's suitability to be a driver of a hackney/private hire vehicle.

The Licensing Authority recommended that the Sub-committee should approve the application.

The applicant was invited to elaborate on the application giving information about the background of the penalty points, and his personal circumstances. He stated that he did not use his phone to receive a call or send a message, and that he had set the phone to charge while sitting in traffic on the way home from work. He pointed out that he was driving his own car at the time and had no customers in the car. He added that he enjoyed his work as a taxi driver.

In response to a question as to why he had not included details of the offence on his application form, he stated that he lacked confidence in completing paperwork and that this was a mistake and not an attempt to hide the truth. He added that, over twenty years, he had received one speeding penalty.

RESOLVED that the applicant was a fit and proper person to be issued with a hackney/private hire vehicle driver's licence from Cyngor Gwynedd.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-committee considered the following:

·      The requirements of 'Cyngor Gwynedd's Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles' 

·      Individual Suitability Guidelines

·      The report of the Licensing Department

·      The applicant's application form

·      The report of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

·      Verbal observations by the applicant

Specific consideration was given to the following issue.

Background

In April 2025, the applicant received 6 penalty points and a fine of £200 for breaching a requirement in relation to the control of a vehicle and the use of a mobile phone in contravention of Section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

RELEVANT CLAUSES OF THE POLICY

Paragraph 2.2 of the Council's Policy was considered, which states that a person with a conviction for a serious offence need not be automatically barred from obtaining a licence, but would normally be expected to remain free of any conviction for an appropriate period as stated in the Policy, and to show evidence that the individual is a fit and proper person to hold a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6