CROSSING THE BORDER: Stratford-upon-Avon taxi driver’s licence SUSPENDED following alleged assault on out-of-town cabbie
A Stratford-upon-Avon taxi driver has had his licence suspended for eight weeks following an incident involving another cabbie, which led to allegations of assault.
The driver, who has been licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council for 38 years, faced a complaint from another out-of-town driver, licensed by a different local authority.
The complainant alleged that the assault occurred on Wood Street in Stratford-upon-Avon in June 2024. Although the incident was reported to Warwickshire Police, the complaint was later withdrawn. Despite this, Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Licensing Department proceeded with its investigation due to public safety concerns.
A Licensing Panel meeting held on 20 November 2024 addressed the case. During the meeting, the accused driver accepted partial responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that his behaviour during the incident fell short of the standards expected by the council for licensed taxi drivers.
The Panel considered the matter serious but concluded there was insufficient evidence to deem the driver a safety risk to passengers. As such, revocation of his Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence was ruled out as disproportionate. However, the Panel determined that disciplinary action was necessary to emphasise compliance with council policies governing taxi drivers.
The resolution to suspend the driver’s licence for eight weeks was based on maintaining public safety and ensuring adherence to professional standards. This action, the Panel stated, was intended to reinforce the importance of appropriate behaviour expected of all licensed drivers operating within the district.
The suspended driver is expected to resume work after the suspension period, with the clear understanding that future breaches could result in more severe penalties.
Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, said: "Public safety is of vital importance when it comes to considering whether a driver is fit and proper to hold a licence. In protecting public safety, we expect our drivers to maintain the high standard that is expected of them and their licensed vehicles.
“The standard that the District Council expects of its licensed drivers fell below that which is expected from this driver."
