Court supports council's refusal to taxi applicant tried for serious crimes

Mr Basitur Rahman, of Holland Close, Redhill, had previously been tried and found not guilty at Crown Court for a number of serious offences. When he applied to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for a private hire licence shortly after, officers at the council refused because of serious concerns about his suitability as a licensed taxi driver.

Putting passengers first

Cllr Graham Knight, the Executive Member for Community Safety at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council says: “Passengers have the right to feel safe when they take a taxi. As the licensing authority for this borough, they trust us to make sure that the person who picks them up is trustworthy, safe and reliable. When we don’t consider an applicant meets our standards, we will not permit a licence and we will defend our decision as necessary. I am grateful that Guildford Crown Court has supported our view to put passengers first.”

Council's concerns

Mr Rahman’s application was initially refused in December 2016 on the grounds that in the council’s opinion he was not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a private hire licence. Mr Rahman appealed and the case was heard on 21 June at Guildford Crown Court. The court agreed with the council’s concerns, dismissed his appeal and ordered Mr Rahman to pay the Council’s costs of £1,000.

The council refused Mr Basitur Rahman of Holland Close, Redhill a private hire taxi licence on the grounds that he was not a fit and proper person under section 51(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.