Private hire driver loses licence after misleading council

24 February 2025

A private hire driver has had his licence revoked and been ordered to pay costs of £1,640 after being described as not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

On 14 February 2025, Northampton Crown Court upheld the West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Licensing Sub-Committee’s decision to revoke the driver’s private hire licence, following the driver misleading the Council in relation to proceedings being taken against him in a neighbouring authority.

Mohammed Badrul Alam of Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, failed to declare his prosecution and subsequent conviction for plying for hire (accepting passengers without a pre-booking) and driving without insurance . In addition, Mr Alam had a history of licensing and driving complaints on his record, including a complaint from a passenger who was so frightened by Mr Alam driving at 100mph that they phoned their relatives from the taxi to say they loved them.

Northamptonshire’s Magistrates’ Court initially upheld the Council’s decision to revoke his licence which was then further appealed by Mr Alam to the Crown Court, where Her Honour Judge Lucking said that Mr Alam was not found to be an honest witness and his explanation that he was planning to tell the council about his convictions once his penalty points were added to his licence was highly implausible He was ordered to pay £1,500 in costs, which is in addition to £140.00 from the Magistrates’ Court appeal. Susan Desfontaines appeared for WNC in the Magistrates Court, and Nicki Agalamanyi represented WNC in the Crown Court, both are advocates from the in-house Legal Services Team.

“The safety of residents and passengers who use private-hire and taxi services is paramount to us, and the majority of drivers conduct themselves to the highest standards. Our officers work hard to ensure that these standards are met, and we are pleased that the Crown Court has upheld our decision.”Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services