Cheltenham private hire driver loses licence after bald tyre safety breach
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 3
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 4
A Cheltenham private hire driver has had their licence revoked following a unanimous decision by the Miscellaneous Licensing Sub-Committee on 2 April 2025.
The decision followed a vehicle compliance check carried out in the early hours of 15 March, during Cheltenham’s Race Week. The check was conducted by a Licensing Officer from Cheltenham Borough Council and a Taxi Compliance Officer from Avon and Somerset Police.
During the inspection, both front tyres on the vehicle were found to be below the legal tread limit of 1.6mm. One tyre measured as low as 0.6mm.
Due to the safety concerns, the matter was referred to the licensing sub-committee. Members considered the implications of reduced tread depth, particularly its effect on braking distances. They also noted a recorded history of tyre-related advisories during previous MOT tests.
The committee concluded that the driver had failed to carry out adequate routine checks, as required by their licence conditions. The issue was considered especially serious given the timing during Cheltenham Festival, a peak period for the local licensed vehicle trade.
The committee deemed the situation unacceptable and revoked the licence with immediate effect.
Michelle Bignell, manager of licensing and public protection at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “The decision by the licensing sub-committee demonstrates the council’s commitment to public safety and that members will not tolerate a lack of regard to high standards that licence holders should demonstrate in terms of vehicle safety.
“All licence holders should conduct daily checks to ensure that their vehicles are safe to carry members of the public.”
