A Bedford taxi driver has had their licence immediately revoked after being charged with "coercive and controlling behaviour and actual bodily harm," Bedford Borough Council announced following a General Licensing Committee meeting on Thursday, June 19.
The disciplinary action is one of several taken against taxi and private hire drivers in the borough between February and May of this year, addressing a range of issues including safety complaints, traffic offences, and failures to meet licensing standards.
In another significant case, a driver's renewal application was refused after it was discovered they had received a police caution for battery following a domestic incident – an offence they had failed to disclose for the second time.
Private hire regulations also led to a licence renewal being denied for a driver who was found to have picked up passengers without a booking. The council noted that the driver's "denial and elaborate attempts to offer alternative explanations" worsened the seriousness of the breach.
Traffic incidents also factored into the council's decisions.
One driver lost their licence after striking a father and child at a junction, with the council citing failures in driving standards and reporting duties.
Additionally, two other drivers were ordered to complete remedial training, including the Blue Lamp Taxi Driver Proficiency test, following complaints of poor driving and collisions involving pedestrians.
Despite these disciplinary actions, the council's report highlighted that the majority of drivers are adhering to regulations.
More than 60 new and renewed licences were granted during the same period, with officers conducting assessments under Bedford’s Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
Under the new proposals, the base fare for the initial 880 yards of a journey would see an increase from £3.90 to £4.40.
The decision, made at a licensing meeting on Wednesday, June 18, will now open to public representations before final approval.
This backing follows increasing public outcry, notably after the death of 65-year-old Twickenham minicab driver Rob Dale in November 2024.
Taxi drivers had sought to raise the basic fare and subsequent distance charges, citing rising operational costs.
Graham Head, 68, was re-convicted on Thursday 19 June, by a jury at Lewes Crown Court following an eight-hour deliberation.
The proposals were put forward by the borough's taxi drivers, who cited that fares hadn't risen in three years.
The study reveals a dramatic shift in Uber's "take rate," from an initial fixed 20% (later rising to 25%) to an average of 29%, and in some instances, exceeding 50% of a fare.
This ambitious move signals a direct challenge to Waymo's established dominance and intensifies the race as Tesla also vies for a slice of the self-driving taxi industry.
The changes, approved by the new Reform executive panel on Tuesday, June 17, aim to unify the region's disparate taxi zones into one harmonised system and are set to take effect from September.
A six-week consultation has been launched to review the maximum fares for taxis operating across North Yorkshire.
The council stated that Uber "met the conditions of licensing to operate in York" during this initial period, paving the way for the longer renewal.
Dubbed "one of the happiest and most joyful days in Glasgow's calendar," the cherished tradition saw over 125 brightly decorated taxis transport around 350 beaming children to the Ayrshire coast.
The taxi driver, Ticu Dan Calin, was found guilty in his absence of the offence at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Monday 16 June 2025.
The taxi app believes the plan lacks a clear strategy for reversing the decline and calls for more specific measures to support the taxi trade.
Lewis Elliott, 23, whose address was given as HMP Durham, pleaded guilty to possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply at Teesside Crown Court.
The delay means it's been nearly three years since the last fare increase, despite a policy dictating reviews every 18 months.
The decision follows overwhelming public and business support, with a consultation revealing that seven in ten Londoners back the move.
Claudiu Sandra, 26, was working in the early hours of June 8 when he reportedly took a young woman to a residential area of Mistley, near Manningtree.
A prominent local taxi operator has issued a stark warning that "astonishing" red tape imposed by East Ayrshire Council is actively deterring new drivers and jeopardising essential services.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the commitment to close "loopholes" that allow PHVs to operate outside their licensing areas.