Taxi driver loses licence after ‘inappropriate touching’

A Watford taxi driver, Shams Pervaiz, lost his licence after allegations of inappropriate touching and conversations during a journey.

The Three Rivers District Council’s licensing department revoked his licence immediately, citing public safety concerns.

The decision was upheld at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on December 16, where Deputy District Judge Low presided. The council’s investigation included interviews with the victim, who sat in the front passenger seat, and three other passengers in the rear. The council deemed Mr. Pervaiz unfit to be a licensed taxi driver due to his behaviour, which made passengers feel extremely uncomfortable.

Deputy council leader Sarah Nelmes emphasized the importance of public safety and warned that any driver failing to meet high standards risks losing their licence and livelihood