Council action to revoke taxi licence upheld in court

Tamworth Borough Council has successfully defended its decision to revoke a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence following an appeal at court.

On Tuesday 24 March, Telford Magistrates’ Court dismissed Mohammed Chowdhury’s appeal against Tamworth Borough Council’s decision to revoke his taxi licence after concluding he was not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a taxi licence.  

Mohammed Chowdhury, 56, of Starbank Road, Birmingham, had previously appeared before the council’s licensing committee in August 2023 and again in March 2024 over concerns of his conduct as a licenced driver. At the March 2024 hearing, the committee determined that his Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence should be revoked with immediate effect.

The decision followed a series of concerns. These included the accumulation of penalty points under the council’s licensing policy, complaints from members of the public, and issues identified during licensing investigations, including an inaccurate accident report. A petition was also submitted by the Hackney Carriage Trade Association raising concerns about his suitability to hold a licence.

Magistrates upheld the council’s decision, agreeing that the action taken was appropriate and necessary to protect public safety and maintain standards within the licensed trade.

The court awarded Tamworth Borough Council £3,000 in costs.

Chief Executive Stephen Gabriel, said:

“We welcome the court’s decision to uphold the council’s action in this case. Public safety is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s essential that all licensed drivers meet the high standards expected of them.

“This case followed a thorough and evidence-led process, where a range of concerns were carefully considered before a decision was made. The court’s ruling reinforces that our approach is both fair and robust.

“We will always support drivers who meet our standards and engage positively with us. However, where there are serious concerns about an individual’s conduct or suitability, we will take decisive action and will not hesitate to defend those decisions in court”.