BREAKING: Four taxi drivers in Stockton have faced immediate licence denials due to serious criminal convictions and concerning driving histories. The Stockton Council‘s general licensing committee made these critical decisions during their latest meeting, highlighting the importance of public safety and adherence to regulations.
In a shocking turn of events, two drivers were outright refused private hire licences due to previous convictions, including careless driving and assault. A third driver’s application was also denied after the committee noted a troubling pattern of breaking rules, despite the driver expressing remorse.
One driver’s application was notably controversial, as he had live DVLA points for “major traffic offences,” along with a conviction for careless driving and a recent fixed penalty notice for using a phone while driving. The driver’s representative argued that the fixed penalty was incorrectly issued, claiming the phone was in a cradle. However, the committee found no supporting evidence and expressed serious concerns about his repeated driving-related incidents.
“Members agreed that, taken together, the history indicated behaviour falling below the standard expected of a licensed driver,” the meeting minutes reported. The committee ultimately concluded that this driver was not a “fit and proper person” to hold a private hire driver’s licence.
In a separate case, a civil engineer revealed a history of convictions for assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage from 2020. He claimed to have acted in self-defence but was met with skepticism from the committee. Despite his claims of personal circumstances that led to the convictions, the committee refused his application based on the violent nature of his offences.
Another driver, who previously had his licence revoked in February 2025, sought another chance. Although he expressed remorse and promised he would never appear before the committee again, they remained unconvinced. The committee stated, “nothing had changed” to demonstrate that he was safe and suitable for licensing.
A fourth driver, who had been arrested in July 2022 on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and possessing an offensive weapon, had his application granted after showing that the police dropped all allegations against him. The committee found his testimony credible and noted that he had denied the allegations. They determined he was a fit and proper person for a private hire licence.
This series of decisions underscores the rigorous standards and scrutiny that applicants for taxi licenses face in Stockton. The committee’s commitment to ensuring public safety is paramount, and these latest refusals serve as a reminder of the critical role that licensing authorities play in regulating drivers.
With safety concerns at the forefront, residents and potential passengers can feel more secure knowing that the licensing committee is vigilant in its assessments. This ongoing scrutiny will continue to shape the standards for drivers in the area.
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