A TAXI driver’s dual licence has been suspended for three months.
Rakesh Singh, of Goldicote Business Park, Stratford, first appeared before Stratford District Council’s licensing panel last November where he received a three month licence suspension.
The decision to suspend Mr Singh’s licence had been made on the basis of his fitness and propriety to hold the licence.
The panel considered breaches of licence conditions including the use of a home-produced driver’s badge, incomplete operator records, incorrect display of a licensed vehicle badge, and obstruction of the council’s officers carrying out their duties, which were referred to in evidence in court.
Mr Singh appealed the decision, which took place at Warwickshire Justice Centre in Nuneaton in March.
In giving their decision, the justices commented ‘the public must have trust in taxi drivers and that the council had made the correct decision’.
The justices concluded ‘the council had acted appropriately and that the period of suspension was not excessive.’
Mr Singh was also ordered to pay the council’s costs of £3,655.
Originally Mr Singh was due to appeal the decision but has now surrendered his licenced badges. The suspension ends on November 13.
District licensing panel chair Coun Sue Adams said: “People who use taxis across Stratford-on-Avon District have a right to expect high standards. The district council’s licencing panel will always take action against those who fail to meet standards expected of them.”
