Key Points
- · Bolton Council Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee revoked a taxi driver’s licence citing public safety concerns.
- · The decision followed serious allegations including assault charges and a history of violent behaviour dating back to 2007.
- · Previous incidents involved assaults against family members and accusations involving colleagues.
- · The driver’s daughter initially supported assault claims but later withdrew her support.
- · His licence was not renewed in 2018 following admissions of assault.
- · The council and police deemed the driver unsuitable given the risk posed to passengers and the public.
- · Other committee decisions included refusal of a private hire licence due to reckless driving and suspensions of 74 drivers for incomplete training.
- · The committee emphasised prioritising public safety and driver suitability under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
What happened at the Bolton Council hearing regarding the taxi driver’s licence?
As reported by The Bolton News, Bolton Council’s Licensing and Environmental Regulation Committee held a hearing that resulted in the immediate revocation of a taxi driver’s licence on public safety grounds. The driver had been subject to serious allegations, including an assault charge linked to accusations made by his daughter. Although she subsequently withdrew her support for pursuing legal action, she maintained that her original statement was accurate but wished to avoid prison sentences for her father.
What history of conduct influenced the council’s decision?
The committee reviewed the driver’s past conduct, which included multiple incidents dating as far back as 2007. The driver admitted to physically assaulting his wife and was involved in accusations of assaulting a family member and coworkers. Specific incidents included punching his mother-in-law and slapping his wife in 2017. The police had also informed the committee of previous arrest records for common assault in 2009 and 2011.
In 2018, his taxi driver’s licence was not renewed following his own admissions of these assaults. The council also noted a previously retracted complaint of headbutting a colleague. Despite the driver highlighting social service involvement and concerns about his wife’s health, councillors judged the risk to passenger and public safety too great to continue licensing him.
How does Bolton Council assess driver fitness and suitability?
Bolton Council operates under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, specifically Section 51, which mandates drivers must be "fit and proper" persons to hold licences. The council’s Statement of Fitness and Suitability outlines that applicants must disclose all convictions, cautions, arrests, and ongoing investigations—whether spent or not—when applying or renewing licences.
The council consults with relevant agencies—such as police, housing, and children’s services—to acquire information concerning applicants. If concerns arise regarding a driver’s suitability, the matter is referred to the Licensing Committee for a hearing, which can result in licence revocation, suspension, or imposition of conditions such as additional training.
What other licensing decisions were made at the hearing?
In addition to revoking the taxi driver’s licence, the committee refused a different applicant’s private hire licence. This decision followed the review of video evidence showing a vehicle strike against a pedestrian, as well as complaints of reckless driving, aggressive behaviour, and inappropriate language. The applicant was also found to have provided false information during police interviews and accident investigations. The committee rejected the application by a majority vote, citing public safety risks.
What wider enforcement actions is Bolton Council taking related to taxi licensing?
Bolton Council is actively enforcing compliance in the taxi trade. The hearing also saw suspensions of 74 drivers who failed to complete required training courses. The council has previously revoked licences for offences such as involvement in illicit tobacco sales and unacceptable passenger behaviour. The Metro Mayor has called for reform in regional taxi services, emphasising safety as a priority.