Appeal of revocation of Cheltenham Borough Council’s taxi drivers licence upheld at court

A hackney carriage (taxi) driver that was licensed by Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) has lost their appeal against the revocation of their licence on 6 July 2026.

The driver was referred to the licensing sub-committee following three strikes being issued to them. The hearing took place in November 2025.  CBC’s licensing sub-committee unanimously voted to revoke the licence with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.

The strikes were issued for: 1) failure to undertake a six-monthly fitness check, 2) exposed cords on a tyre and 3) failing to declare two motoring offences.  Under Cheltenham Borough Council’s taxi and private hire licensing policy, when three strikes have been accrued in a 12-month period the licence holder is referred to the sub-committee for a review of their licence.

The driver ultimately appealed the decision to Cheltenham Magistrates Court where the Court determined that the driver did not meet the ‘fit and proper test’ and agreed that their licence should be revoked and the appeal is denied.  £600 costs were awarded to Cheltenham Borough Council.

Councillor Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities at CBC, said:

“The decision by the Court demonstrates that they support CBC’s commitment to public safety and that Cheltenham Borough Council will not tolerate a lack of regard for high standards that licence holders should demonstrate in terms of safety and compliance with licence conditions”. 

“All licence holders should conduct daily checks to ensure that their vehicles are safe to carry members of the public, comply with vehicle testing requirements and reporting any endorsements on their DVLA licence.”