UPDATE: Four taxi drivers have been denied private hire licences by the Stockton Council due to serious criminal convictions and repeated rule violations, according to the latest meeting minutes from the general licensing committee. This urgent decision highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and driver accountability in the area.
In a striking case, two drivers were refused licences due to convictions for careless driving and assault. The committee expressed grave concerns about one applicant, who had ongoing DVLA points for “major traffic offences,” a history of careless driving, and a recent fixed penalty notice for using a phone while driving. The driver claimed the penalty was wrongly issued, arguing that his phone was in a cradle; however, the committee found no supporting evidence to back his assertion.
The committee stated, “Members agreed that, taken together, the history indicated behaviour falling below the standard expected of a licensed driver.” They ultimately ruled that this driver was not a “fit and proper person” to hold a private hire licence.
In a separate case, a civil engineer was denied a licence after a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check revealed convictions for assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage from 2020. The driver claimed he acted in self-defence during a confrontation, but the committee cited his violent convictions as failing to meet their licensing policy.
Another applicant, whose licence had previously been revoked in February 2025, hoped for a second chance but failed to convince the committee of his suitability. Despite expressing remorse and pledging to adhere to regulations, the committee was not swayed. They concluded that his previous infractions indicated a troubling pattern of behavior.
In a more favorable outcome, a fourth driver had initially faced serious allegations, including possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and possessing an offensive weapon in public. However, he successfully demonstrated that the police dropped the investigation, providing a letter confirming that no further action would be taken. The committee ultimately deemed him a “fit and proper person,” granting his application.
As public safety remains a pressing issue, these decisions underscore the council’s commitment to upholding high standards for licensed drivers. With the ongoing scrutiny of taxi licensing practices, all eyes are on Stockton Council as they navigate these critical issues.
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