Follow PHTM
Posted on the 21st July 2025 in PHTM News
BANBURY TAXI DRIVER LOSES LICENCE AFTER APPEAL OVER UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
A Banbury taxi driver, Mohammed Shahzad, 46, has permanently lost his licence after a Magistrates' Court upheld Cherwell District Council's decision to revoke it due to "unprofessional" conduct towards a vulnerable female passenger.
The council initially revoked Shahzad's licence with immediate effect on July 4, 2024, following reports of inappropriate behaviour during what was described as a five-minute journey. Shahzad appealed the decision, but Oxford Magistrates’ Court, at a hearing on Monday, July 7, found that his actions breached his licensing conditions.
Councillor Rob Parkinson, portfolio holder for safer communities, emphasised the importance of public trust in taxi services. "Taxis are a key service for Cherwell residents, allowing them to get to work, the shops, or to attend vital appointments," he stated. "We work hard to give residents the confidence to travel by taxi and this includes strictly upholding the conditions attached to drivers’ licences."
Councillor Parkinson further highlighted the rigorous requirements for taxi drivers, which include "additional safeguarding training and responsibilities" beyond being a "fit and proper licence holder." He described Shahzad's actions as "a rare but serious breach of those driver responsibilities," commending the swift action taken to remove his licence "to protect the public."
"I welcome the magistrate’s decision this week and I hope it gives passengers the reassurance that the licensing authority takes their safety and comfort very seriously,” Councillor Parkinson added.
Before obtaining a licence, taxi drivers are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, as well as disability awareness and safeguarding training. Shahzad was also ordered to pay a portion of the council's legal costs.
Read another story
- "DANGEROUS" TAXIS ON KIRKLEES ROADS AS OVER 40% FAIL ANNUAL SAFETY TESTS
A report presented to Kirklees Council’s Licensing Committee revealed that up to 42% are failing monthly inspections, with the overall failure rate for the past year standing at over 25%.
- WOKING COUNCIL SEEKS VIEWS ON WHEELCHAIR TAXI EMISSION RULES
Residents, taxi drivers, and community groups are being invited to share their views on the future of wheelchair accessible taxis in Woking borough.
- STAFFORD BOROUGH TAXIS SET FOR FARE HIKE WITH FLAG FALL JUMPING FROM £3.10 TO £4
Taxi fares in Stafford Borough are poised for a significant increase, with the proposed starting rate for a standard journey jumping from £3.10 to £4.
- BURNLEY COUNCILLOR RAISES ALARM OVER CABBIE'S ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Cllr Alan Hosker, has voiced strong concerns regarding the English language proficiency of some taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in the borough, calling for new regulations.
- FREENOW INVESTS IN FUTURE OF LONDON'S ICONIC BLACK CABS WITH NEW FINANCIAL SUBSIDY
Launched to coincide with the 160th anniversary of "The Knowledge of London" – the world-renowned test for black cab drivers established in 1865.
- RIP: SAD TO REPORT THE SUDDEN DEATH OF MUCH LOVED TODMORDEN PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER KHALIL REHMAN
A town is in mourning for a well-known and loved Calderdale taxi driver who died suddenly on Tuesday 15 July.
- EDINBURGH CABBIE'S LICENCE MAY BE SUSPENDED AGAIN FOR SHOUTING AT ELDERLY PASSENGER
Baris Eroglu first had his taxi licence suspended in 2024 after receiving three complaints in just over three months.
- UBER TO PAY $2718 MILLION COMPENSATION IN SETTLEMENT WITH AUSTRALIAN CABBIES
The class action suit centres on Uber’s launch into Australia before it was legalised and the impact of this on taxi drivers, particularly those who had paid for expensive licences.
- TFL PROPOSES CHANGES TO THE CENTRAL LONDON CONGESTION CHARGING SCHEME
These include a change in the charge level from £15 to £18, a new discount for electric vehicles and a change to the Residents' Discount for new applicants.
- TRANSPORT COMMITTEE LAUNCHES NEW INQUIRY INTO LICENSING AND STANDARDS IN THE TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES SECTORS
The Transport Committee now accepts written evidence submissions from those with knowledge of the sector.
- EDINBURGH TAXI DRIVERS HAND OVER PETITION CALLING FOR CAP ON PHV NUMBERS IN THE CITY
Keith Auld, 44, handed over his petition - ‘Cap number of Private Hire Vehicles in Edinburgh so everyone can make a living’ - which has garnered 1,764 signatures.
- TRADE IN NORTH NORTHANTS FEAR DELAYS TO TAXI LICENSING POLICY COULD DAMAGE WAV NUMBERS
The concerns come after plans to bring in North Northants Council’s (NNC) draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy in April this year were deferred by the previous administration.
- FUNDING AVAILABLE IN WEST SUFFOLK FOR CCTV PILOT SCHEME - PROTECTS PASSENGER & DRIVER SAFETY
It comes just weeks after the Casey report and the allegation that taxi/PH drivers were involved, so it's crucial measures are in place, to protect drivers and the industry, from serious allegations.
- TRANSPORT SECRETARY ANNOUNCES £650M ECG SCHEME WORTH UP TO £3,750 DISCOUNT PER CAR
Drivers will benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for zero emission cars to be part of the grant scheme from 16 July, with funding available until the 2028/29 financial year.
- CCTV COULD BE MADE MANDATORY IN COVENTRY TAXIS AND PHVS AFTER TASK AND FINISH INVESTIGATION
Currently CCTV it is only on a voluntary basis, mandatory CCTV was considered before but it was not supported.
- LONDON CABBIE THREATENED WITH BLACKMAIL ON CAMERA FOR USING PHONE DRIVING IN SLOW TRAFFIC
A viral TikTok shows a cyclist approaching the cabbie and reprimanding him for using his device while his Hackney Carriage was stationary on Shaftesbury Avenue in West End.
- FIVE YEARS' JAIL FOR CABBIE WHO SEXUALLY ASSAULTED TEENAGE GIRL HE PICKED UP IN BURNLEY
Wahid Riaz's young victim told a court in a harrowing statement she was sick at home after the attack and cried herself to sleep.
- VICTORY FOR CHORLEY CABBIES AS HIGH STREET RANK REOPENS ON TUESDAYS AFTER EIGHT YEARS
The win comes after campaigning by the Chorley Taxi Association, who pushed to reverse a 2017 decision that had handed over the bottom taxi rank to Tuesday market traders.
- REDUNDANCY TALKS UNDERWAY AT LEVC
It comes after the firm announced on July 9, that the workforce at its site in Ansty, Coventry is to be reduced by around 180 people.
- GRIDSERVE AND ADDISON LEE PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE AIRPORT TRANSFERS AT GATWICK
GRIDSERVE's strategic charging location at London Gatwick’s South Terminal with 22 High Power chargers enables Addison Lee to optimise fleet management and reduce charging times.
