Members of the Panel are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Members of the Panel were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made.

The Director of Law and Governance reported on an application received to approve a Ford Mondeo, registration number AO63 FDL, as a Private Hire Vehicle that is fitted with rear quarterlight windows which do not meet the Council’s criteria for licensing Private Hire Vehicles.

The meeting took place virtually and Members of the Panel inspected photographs of the vehicle that had been submitted within Appendix 2 of the report.

The Licensing Team Leader reported that the rear quarter light windows of the vehicle do not meet the current criteria that 70% of light must be let through.

Members considered the representations made within the report which stated that the applicant had replaced the rear screen and rear passenger door windows in order that they comply with the Council’s criteria for licensing Private Hire Vehicles, but that he had been unable to replace the rear quarter light windows positioned adjacent to the boot of the vehicle due to financial reasons. 

Members also considered the photographs of the vehicle and were advised that the rear quarterlight windows allowed 20-30% of light through them.  Members were content with the application as the rear passenger windows were compliant with the Council’s criteria for licensing Private Hire Vehicles.

Resolved – That the Ford Mondeo, registration number AO63 FDL be approved as a Private Hire Vehicle.

Resolved - That, under section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.  The Public Interest Test had been applied and favoured exclusion.

The Director of Law and Governance submitted a report for Members to consider whether Mr MRB should continue to hold a Private Hire Driver Licence.

Mr MRB attended the meeting by way of video conference together with a friend and made representations.  Members questioned Mr MRB.

Members considered carefully the representations made by Mr MRB.

In determining the matter Members also gave serious consideration to their overriding responsibility in respect of the protection and safety of the public  The Panel applied the principle of proportionality enshrined within the Human Rights Act 1998 and considered that in seeking to ensure the legitimate aim of the protection of the public, a revocation of the licence with immediate effect was justified in the circumstances.

Resolved – That, in the interests of public safety, Mr MRB’s Private Hire Driver Licence be revoked with immediate effect.