Issue - meetings

To consider a proposed revised convictions policy for joint hackney carriage / private hire drivers.

The Committee considered a report regarding a proposed revised policy in relation to the suitability of applicants and licence holders where relevant information may give cause for concern.

Following consideration of the draft policy at the Licensing Committee meeting on 5 November 2012, consultation had been undertaken and a number of responses had been received.

RESOLVED

(a)  That the Convictions Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be adopted, subject to the following amended wording:

Proven Complaints of rude or aggressive Behaviour

In less serious cases a written warning of future conduct may be given.  However, if the nature or level of aggression leads the Licensing Authority to be concerned about public safety, this may result in the refusal to renew, suspension, or revocation of a licence.

In all other cases where an alleged offence has been committed and not listed within this Policy, the Licensing Authority will deal with each case on its own merit.

Foreign Offences

Offences from any jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland must be declared in full. For applicants not of British Nationality a Certificate of Good Conduct/Behaviour must be provided from their Country of Origin. For applicants who have not lived in the UK for any part of the previous 5 years, a Certificate of Good Behaviour must be provided from all countries in which they have lived.

The Licensing Authority will deal with foreign offences in a similar way to comparable offences under UK law.

(b) That the Convictions Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driversbe applied to all new applicants and to existing licensed drivers in respect of any convictions/ endorsements etc which have not previously been considered.