Private hire driver in Elmbridge loses licence appeal after council and police investigation

A private hire driver has lost his appeal after Elmbridge Borough Council revoked his licence following a joint investigation with Surrey Police.

Israr Bashir (51, Woking) provided false information to Surrey Police after his vehicle was recorded by a speed camera on the M25 in 2024. He later submitted further false evidence to support this account.

Following a joint investigation between Surrey Police and Elmbridge Borough Council, he continued to maintain this version of events.

As a result, the council determined he was not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver’s licence and revoked it, in line with its policy requiring drivers to be honest and trustworthy.

The decision was appealed, but at a Magistrates’ Court hearing at Staines on Tuesday 2 June 2026, the District Judge upheld Elmbridge Borough Council’s decision.

Councillor Caroline James, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Environmental Health:

“The council’s policies state that ‘as professional drivers, the Council and passengers expect their driving and general behaviour to be of the highest possible standard and that they are honest and trustworthy. It is our role to keep our residents safe.”

Inspector Chris Thoday from Surrey Police, borough commander for Elmbridge:

“We do not tolerate speeding in our county and are committed to working closely with our council partners to use our respective powers to keep Surrey’s roads safe.”