Private hire driver in Cheltenham loses appeal after licence revoked
The driver failed to declare previous motoring offences to the council
A Cheltenham private hire driver has lost his Crown Court appeal after his licence was revoked for driving with bald tyres during last year's March Festival.
Mr Rahman's appeal was dismissed and he was ordered to pay costs of £4,180.50 to Cheltenham Borough Council.
During a joint enforcement operation for the Cheltenham festival week, a Cheltenham Borough Council licensed private hire vehicle was inspected by the Avon and Somerset Police taxi compliance officer alongside a council licensing officer.
The vehicle was found with two tyres below the legal limit, and subsequent investigations revealed the driver's failure to disclose previous motoring offences and false statements on his applications.
As a result, the driver's licence was revoked in April 2025 by a licensing sub-committee under public safety concerns.
The driver initially appealed to Cheltenham Magistrates Court, but the decision to revoke his licence was upheld.
He then appealed to the Crown Court, which was heard on 9th February 2026.
The court determined that the decision made by the licensing committee was correct, noting that the six driving offences committed over 11 years was a large number for someone whose career involves driving.
The court also accepted that the driver failed to report speeding fines to the council and demonstrated a pattern of dishonesty.
The Crown Court ruled that the council were perfectly entitled to find that Mr Rahman was not a fit and proper person and that they had not been persuaded that the decision to revoke his licence was a wrong decision or anything approaching a wrong decision.
The Avon and Somerset Police taxi compliance officer, PC Quinton said: “The overwhelming majority of taxis and private hire vehicles are safe and their drivers reliable, hardworking and trustworthy.
“Those who are negligent about the safety and legality of their vehicle, as in this case, can expect to be investigated and appropriate action taken by both the police and Licensing Authority - regardless of where they are licensed.”
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to ensuring the safety and legality of taxi and private hire services in our community.
“This successful case of partnership working sends a very clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activity in our town and ensure that we protect Cheltenham residents and our visitors through partnership working with other police forces and licensing authorities.
“I would like to thank our licensing team and our partners for their diligent work in the successful conclusion of this case.”