Agenda and draft minutes

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There were none.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report as published.

In response to a Member question it was confirmed that the Council is moving towards a more mixed vehicle fleet.

The driver then addressed the committee and made the following points:

-       He has been a driver for Cheltenham Borough Council for 15 years.

-       There were financial issues with him getting a WAV and he had been struggling with it.

-       His car was very uncomfortable.

-       When doing airport transfers a WAV is not suitable.

The matter then went to Member questions, their responses were as follows:

-       The uncomfortable seats in the vehicle have given him sciatica, he has no real problems now with his private hire vehicle.

-       The driver stated that he did not know that the policy had changed until other people had changed their vehicles.

The matter then went to Member debate where the following points were made:

-       The drivers health condition has improved since he has been driving a private hire.

-       It seems rational to allow the non WAV vehicle as the policy is in the middle of being changed.

-       We have recently dealt with a similar case and granted it so there does not seem to be a reason to not grant this application.

The applicant was then given the final right of reply where he commented that he has a much more comfortable vehicle with heated seats.  He also has received massage treatment for his sciatica.

The matter then went to the vote on 1.4.1 – to grant

5 in favour to grant (unanimous)

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining agenda items as it is likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, if members of the public are present there will be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 and 2, Part (1) Schedule (12A) Local Government Act 1972, namely:

Paragraph 1; Information relating to any individual

Paragraph 2; Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual

Voted unanimously to enter exempt session.

The driver asked for an adjournment due to his lack of legal representation.

The committee considered the Human Rights Act and the offence that had been committed.

After much discussion and debate it was agreed to go to the vote to suspend the drivers licence with immediate effect  until the next committee when he can bring legal representation.

For: 5

Against: 0

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