Guildford Taxi-Driver Loses Appeal And Has to Pay GBC Costs After Licence Revoked

Published on: 10 Dec, 2019
Updated on: 12 Dec, 2019

The teal livery on taxis licensed by Guildford Borough Council.

A Guildford taxi-driver has had their appeal against the borough council’s July decision to revoke their licence dismissed by Guildford Magistrates’ Court.

The licence was cancelled for several reasons, including no valid MOT, lack of vehicle maintenance, false declaration, non-compliance with licensing conditions and failure to return licence plates. The council also had complaints about the standard of driving.

The driver appealed the decision but failed to comply with the directions of the court and serve evidence. On December 4, Guildford a magistrate refused the driver’s application to adjourn the appeal, and as the driver had presented no evidence, dismissed the appeal. The driver was also ordered to pay the council’s costs of £2,137.

GBC’s Mike Smith, leader of Licensing, said: “We do not take the decision to revoke a licence lightly, but we have a duty to protect public safety and ensure that residents, visitors and those who work in the borough can be confident when they take one of our licensed taxis that their journey will be safe and secure.

“This Christmas, take one of our licensed taxis from a rank or book a private hire vehicle through a Guildford licensed operator to help you get home safely.

“Guildford taxis and private hire vehicles are easy to recognise with their distinctive teal colour vehicle or door sticker, so you can be confident you are taking a properly licensed, safe vehicle this festive season.”

“All taxis are fitted with meters and accept card payments so you can be confident you will be charged fairly and can pay conveniently.

“But if you do have any comments about the standards, then please let us know by visiting www.guildford.gov.uk/article/17609/Complain-about-a-taxi-driver-or-taxi-company-online-form quoting the licence number of the vehicle.”
Guildford town centre has recently been awarded Purple Flag status for the sixth time for providing evenings and nights out that are safe, vibrant and varied, the only town in the county, and among only about 70 in the UK, to hold the award. The taxi trade helps contribute to a safe night out in Guildford.

Mick Simmonds of the Guildford Hackney Association, said: “The decision to revoke the driver’s licence based on the information I have, ie the council’s press release, is correct. As a trade, we cannot condone non-compliance with licensing conditions and failure to comply with a statutory notice. We pride ourselves on providing a highly professional and safe service to the public.

“But we would like to ask what GBC is doing to prevent the high probability of illegally licenced Uber drivers in the town, other than suggesting the public choose our service.”

This story is based on a GBC press release.