A dual licensed taxi driver loses licence after using mobile phone during school run

A Wellingborough dual licensed taxi driver has had his licence revoked after being caught using his mobile phone while driving a private hire vehicle (PHV) with young passengers onboard.

Kamal Hussain was found to have used his phone during a journey on 10 August 2023, transporting passengers under 16 from Rushden to Wellingborough. The incident was filmed by a front-seat passenger, leading to a formal complaint submitted to North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) the following day.

Two of the children involved supported the council’s investigation, which resulted in Mr Hussain facing a Licensing Panel in October 2023. Citing public safety concerns, the panel revoked both his Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence with immediate effect.

Mr Hussain appealed the decision, but Northampton Magistrates' Court upheld the council’s action on 28 August 2024. The appeal was dismissed, and Mr Hussain was ordered to pay £1,500 in legal costs.

Cllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “This is a truly shocking case, which is made even worse when you consider that all the passengers were under the age of 16. Taxi drivers are trusted by us, and the passengers that use the services, to drive safely and I am pleased that the Magistrates agreed with the decision made by our Licensing Panel.

“I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the young people involved, especially those who were witnesses in court, and their families who helped with this case, it did make a difference.”

Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council, said: “The majority of our taxi drivers conduct themselves to the highest of standards and our officers work hard to ensure that these standards are met, and the safety of passengers is not put at risk. The ending of this story could have been very different, with the driver putting the safety of his passengers and other road users at risk.”