
A series of alarming arrests for rape, sexual assault, stalking, and firearms offences led to drivers being stripped of their taxi/PH licences last year, a new council report has revealed.
The annual report to Stockton Council's general licensing committee detailed 26 enforcement actions taken throughout 2025 to protect the public.
The findings show that authorities clamped down heavily on drivers facing serious criminal allegations, including one motorist whose licence was revoked following a police charge for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and a proceeds of crime offence.
Among the severe cases, licences were terminated after two drivers were arrested for sexual assault, another for firearms, and one for rape, stalking, and coercive behaviour.
In another incident, a driver’s licence was pulled after they were arrested for indecent exposure, sentenced to 150 hours of community service and a £200 fine, and then failed to report the arrest to the council.
Other licences were taken away due to a drink-driving arrest, concerns over drinking habits, and "historical intelligence of sexual assault investigations."
The council also cracked down on drug use, conducting 47 random or intelligence-led screening tests for illegal substances. Three existing drivers tested positive for THC - the main active ingredient in cannabis - resulting in their licences being revoked, while one new applicant was rejected for the same reason.
Enforcement teams also carried out a undercover sting operation on Facebook to catch a driver advertising unlicensed private hire trips. The driver was successfully prosecuted for unlicensed activity and operating without insurance.
While the committee took a hard line on safety, some drivers fought back in court. One motorist, who had their licence revoked for watching a video while driving, successfully appealed to a magistrates' court and had their licence reinstated.
Additionally, a driver who had their licence suspended after CCTV captured an incident involving a "potential weapon" in Thornaby town centre was also allowed back on the road by the committee.

The panel heard that Mr G’s former licence with Aylesbury Vale District Council was taken away in July 2019. 

Brian White, who drives for local firm Barra Cabs, has pledged to waive all fares the day after the cup final if the Three Lions manage to bring the trophy home.

The disruption began in 2022 when the station's front entrance revamp led to the demolition of the original taxi rank and relocation to the rear of the station.

The increase represents the first adjustment to taxi fares in approximately three years and follows a prolonged period of rising operating costs across the industry.

The Committee’s report into the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles that was published on 9 June, also calls for a “clear plan” to reduce high levels of out-of-area working.

Sgt Edward Howard is facing the sack after pleading guilty to a violent, unprovoked assault on a taxi driver while the vehicle was moving.

Just Travel Private Hire Ltd, based in Shelton, had its operator licence revoked by Stoke-on-Trent City Council after serious concerns emerged regarding the safety checks of its staff.

In June last year, the council’s licensing committee agreed to a 12-month trial that removed age limits for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Driverless taxis are set to hit London streets this summer as ride-hailing giant Uber partners with British artificial intelligence firm Wayve for a first-of-its-kind commercial rollout in the UK

Fully funded and organised by local cabbies, the colourful convoy of vehicles decorated with floats and balloons made its way from the capital to East Lothian for a special day out.

According to police, a male and female suspect targeted the taxi driver with racial abuse and violence.

Under new proposals, passengers will see an extra 20p tacked onto every trip, while the running mile rate is set to climb by seven per cent, rising from £2.06 to £2.20.

Avacab, a local firm based at Bison Place, took to social media after several customers reported booking a taxi with them, only to be collected by a different car that arrived just moments before their scheduled ride. 

Bristol City Council is facing criticism for its lenient approach to taxi licensing after secret documents revealed drivers caught speeding, running red lights, and using mobile phones are still being allowed to transpor

The driver’s licence was initially suspended following allegations that he was using a mobile phone while driving, a claim he fiercely disputed during a licensing committee meeting.

Waqas Saghir from Bradford Hackney Association with strong support from Councillor Kamran Hussain worked hard to get the rank relocation approved to the left hand side as you drive down Sunbridge Road.

Surrey Police submitted a report to the council’s Licensing Team concerning private hire driver Mehmet Kaygun, who was observed driving on the M25 while using a mobile phone for a prolonged period.

Yousaf Hossain, 44, was stopped by police on the southbound side of the M6 motorway after driving to Glasgow to collect the illegal cargo. 

Warren Childs, a 45-year-old father of three from West Derby, turned to class A drug dealing after accumulating around £30,000 in debt. 

Local taxi drivers and businesses claim the sudden increase was introduced without any warning and risks driving passengers away just as the busy summer holiday season begins.
