Private Hire Licensing & Appeals

As well as representing drivers alleged to have committed general motoring offences - including Taxi and Private Hire (TPH) drivers alleged to be 'touting for hire' - I have also successfully assisted TPH drivers and operators in licensing applications, and provided representation in disputes with licensing authorities and appeals against licence refusals and revocations.

TPH drivers and operators must be licensed by their relevant Local Authority or, in London, Transport for London (“TfL”). Licensing rules apply to both private hire and hackney drivers.

Your licence may be suspended or revoked as a result of a caution or conviction for driving or other offences - but it could also be revoked or suspended where unproven allegations are made and, in relation to operators, as a result of issues surrounding record keeping and customer complaints.

If your licence is refused, revoked, or suspended, you can appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, and in most cases you can continue to work as a TPH driver pending the outcome of the appeal.

The appeal must be lodged within 21 days of the relevant decision. At the appeal hearing, the Court will consider whether you are “fit and proper” to hold a licence.

If an appeal to the Magistrates’ Court is unsuccessful, it is also possible to appeal further to the Crown Court.

I can assist with drafting written representations to the licensing authority, prior to a formal suspension or revocation decision being made, as well as provision of substantive representation at Court during appeal proceedings.

If you are a private hire driver or operator requiring expert advice and assistance, please contact me on 07766001774 or via email (contact@crimelawyer.co.uk). 

Recent article here: Taxi & Private Hire Drivers - Are you fit enough?