A Torbay taxi driver has been immediately stripped of his licence after councillors unanimously determined they "would not allow their loved ones to get into a vehicle with the respondent alone."

The unnamed driver's licence was revoked following his conviction for two offences of harassment without violence.

Torbay Council's regulatory sub-committee detailed their decision, stating: "An unequivocal and unanimous answer by members to this question, was ‘no’." This strong stance underscores the council's commitment to public safety.

The driver, who held both a hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licence, was also found to have failed in his duty to notify the Town Hall licensing department within 48 hours of receiving court summonses last December. He only reported the charges five months later, claiming he believed the rule only applied to convictions, not charges.

Councillors expressed difficulty believing this explanation.

During the hearing, which was delayed because the driver overslept, members ultimately concluded that his conduct "had fallen below the standards expected of a driver licensed by Torbay Council." The report emphasised: "The protection of public safety is paramount."

Despite receiving "written personal references provided by happy customers," the council could not be satisfied that he "remained a fit and proper person to hold a licence," deciding that immediate revocation was "both necessary and proportionate, to ensure public safety."

The driver can still work in the taxi industry, but only in roles without direct contact with the public.

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