Posted on the 19th August 2026 in PHTM News

BRISTOL PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER LOSES LICENCE AFTER 45 YEARS OVER MOBILE PHONE OFFENCE

One of Bristol's longest-serving private hire drivers has lost his licence after police caught him using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

The veteran cabbie, who is in his late seventies and had worked in the trade since 1981, pleaded with city councillors for leniency, explaining that driving kept his independence and that losing his permit would harm his mental health.

The incident began on March 1 when officers pulled him over on St Philips Causeway for using a phone on speaker mode.

He received a £200 fine and six penalty points, but failed to report the offence to Bristol City Council by the next working day as required by his licence conditions. He only disclosed it five weeks later while applying to renew his private hire permit.

During a licensing hearing at City Hall, the driver admitted he simply forgot to report the matter and expressed deep remorse.

Meeting minutes noted that he had learned a "very painful lesson" and transported thousands of passengers safely over nearly four decades.

Despite feeling sympathy, the public safety and protection sub-committee refused the renewal application. The panel stated that using a phone while driving placed passengers at risk and that public safety outweighed personal circumstances.

Councillors also highlighted his previous record, which included a history of failing to report offences despite earlier warnings, leading them to conclude he was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the permit.

While his private hire driver licence was revoked, the committee decided against taking action on his two private hire vehicle licences, meaning he can still lease them to other licensed drivers until at least April 2027.


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