Taxi driver loses licence for driving offences

Kambiz Akhondi, 59, from Calfe Fen Close, Soham, appeared before Peterborough Magistrates who determined he was not a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence.

Mr Akhondi’s appeal against the District Council was dismissed and the Council was awarded £1,182 in costs.

Mr Akhondi first appeared before the Council’s Licensing Sub Committee in August 2024 after an application to renew his private hire driver licence was refused as he had not made the Council aware of three DVLA speeding endorsements he had received between 2021 and 2022 – which was a condition of his licence.

He appealed the decision to the District Council’s Licensing Sub Committee where the panel approved the refusal to grant renewal of his private hire driver licence.

Mr Akhondi then appealed the Council’s decision in a hearing which took place at Peterborough Magistrates Court on April 10.

Rob Lewis, Service Manager for Licensing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“The safety of the public is our highest priority, and we expect all licensed drivers to meet the standards required of them. Failing to disclose penalty points is a serious matter, as transparency and trust are fundamental to the licensing system. The decision to refuse this licence, and the dismissal of the subsequent appeal, sends a clear message – those who do not fully comply with the rules and fail to disclose penalty points will face serious consequences.”