TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE

Taxi and private hire licensing is tightly regulated and enforcement focused. Decisions by licensing authorities can have immediate consequences for drivers and operators, including suspension or revocation of licences and loss of income.

I advise taxi and private hire drivers and operators on licensing, compliance, enforcement and appeals, with particular experience of matters involving Transport for London and local licensing authorities across England and Wales.

Early advice is often critical, especially where revocation or suspension is being considered.

Taxi and private hire licensing is governed primarily by local licensing authorities, each operating its own policies, procedures and enforcement approach. Despite local variation, regulators will consistently focus on:

• Fitness and propriety

• Honesty, integrity and good character

• Compliance with licence conditions

• Public safety and safeguarding

• Criminal convictions, complaints and conduct issues

• Record keeping and cooperation with the authority

For operators, additional scrutiny is often applied to systems, oversight and compliance arrangements.

Operator licence applications require careful preparation. Licensing authorities will assess whether the applicant is fit and proper and whether adequate systems are in place to operate compliantly.

I assist with:

• Taxi and private hire operator licence applications

• Applications to Transport for London

• Advice on licence scope, conditions and compliance

• Responding to licensing authority queries during the application process

• Preparing supporting documentation and explanations

TfL applications in particular can be detailed and exacting. Errors or omissions can lead to delay or refusal.

Licensing authorities frequently issue requests for information where concerns arise. These may escalate to formal “minded to revoke”, “minded to suspend” or similar warning letters.

Such correspondence should be treated seriously. Poor or incomplete responses can significantly increase regulatory risk.

I advise on:

• Responding to licensing authority requests for information

• Managing deadlines and scope

• Drafting clear, proportionate written responses

• Addressing concerns raised by the authority

• Advising on strategy where revocation or suspension is proposed

Early, controlled responses can often prevent escalation to a hearing.

Where matters cannot be resolved on paper, cases are commonly referred to a licensing sub-committee. These hearings can determine whether a licence is granted, suspended, revoked or subject to conditions.

I represent drivers and operators at licensing sub-committee hearings, including:

• Preparing written submissions and evidence

• Advising on prospects and approach

• Representation at the hearing

• Responding to questions and concerns

• Making submissions on outcome and proportionality

Although less formal than court proceedings, licensing hearings are serious and outcomes can be career changing.

In many cases, there is a statutory right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court against decisions of a licensing authority.

I advise on:

• Whether an appeal is available

• Prospects of success and proportionality

• Appeal strategy and evidence

• Representation in the Magistrates’ Court

• Managing interim arrangements and risk

Appeal time limits are strict. Early advice is essential to preserve options.

I regularly advise on matters involving:

• Allegations of dishonesty or lack of fitness

• Criminal convictions or police disclosures

• Complaints and safeguarding concerns

• Breach of licence conditions

• Medical and fitness issues

• Operator compliance and record keeping

• Licensing authority policy interpretation

Each case turns on its facts and the approach of the relevant authority.

You should consider taking advice if:

• You are applying for a taxi or private hire operator licence

• Transport for London or a licensing authority has written to you

• You receive a minded to revoke or suspend letter

• You are called to a licensing sub-committee hearing

• Your licence has been suspended or revoked

• You are considering an appeal to the Magistrates’ Court

Delay can significantly reduce available options.