| 23 | The Committee received a report on complaints, made by passengers, about the conduct of a private hire licence holder. The report included copies of witness statements, transcripts from two recorded interviews with the licence holder and correspondence from the licence holder's employer at the time of the complaints.
The Committee followed the proceedings set out in Procedure Note C, circulated to all those present.
The licence-holder was not present for the hearing.
The Licensing Officer presented the report and outlined the facts of the case.
The first complaint was made in May 2010 and concerned the driver's attitude towards a wheelchair user and her friend. Both passengers state that the driver made clear his annoyance at being given the job and that he inferred that all other drivers felt the same. He continued to complain throughout the journey and did not offer any help with getting the wheelchair into and out of the boot of his car.
A formal complaint was made and the licence holder was interviewed by officers. No further action was taken on this occasion beyond a letter being sent to the driver, advising that the complaint had been recorded on his file and would be taken into account should any further complaints be received.
A subsequent formal complaint was received in July 2010, from a lady passenger taking a taxi alone at night. The passenger complained that the driver made inappropriate comments and references to women, and that he did not take the direct route home. She was so nervous that she asked to be dropped off some distance from her home. The complainant also reported the incident to the police because of her concerns.
Officers interviewed the licence holder again, following this complaint, and the decision was taken to refer the matter to the Committee, to determine whether the licence holder remained a fit and proper person to hold a private hire licence.
It subsequently transpired that the driver's employer, at that time, had received an earlier complaint, in March 2010, from a lady passenger who was made uneasy by the attitude of the driver and who asked not to be sent him again.
It was noted that the driver was no longer employed by the taxi company in question, because of the complaints received.
In the absence of the licence holder and any opportunity to put questions to him, the Committee sought guidance from officers about the nature of the allegations.
In particular, Members focused their attention upon the discriminatory elements of the complaint made in May 2010, and the implications for public safety and risk to others highlighted in the other complaints, both being from women travelling on their own late at night.
The Committee adjourned at7.52 pm to deliberate in private session
and reconvened at 8.31 pm to give its decision.
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