A private hire driver has lost their appeal against Guildford Borough Council’s decision to revoke their private hire driver’s licence. The driver appealed to Guildford Crown Court, following the loss of their earlier appeal at Guildford Magistrates' Court in November 2018. The Crown Court heard evidence on 22 March that the driver had picked up customers without a booking. The Court also heard evidence that the driver had a history of failure to comply with the licence conditions.

Guildford Crown Court found no reason to overturn the decision of the Magistrates' Court and the Council's original decision to revoke the private hire driver's licence. They dismissed the appeal and ordered the driver to pay costs of £2,000 to the Council, in addition to the earlier costs of £1,660 awarded by the Magistrates' Court.

Licensing Team Leader Mike Smith says: "The Council has set high professional standards for the local taxi and private hire trade, so that customers can feel safe and be confident that they are receiving the best possible standard of service. The evidence presented in this appeal showed that the driver continued to disregard the rules. We will always take action against drivers who do not uphold the high professional standard expected."