Taxi driver loses Crown Court appeal over licence suspension

A taxi driver whose licence was suspended by Reading Borough Council for 30 days has lost his second appeal against the decision.

Zahid Rahman, of Radstock Road, east Reading, was suspended after he attended the council’s licensing committee on 4 November 2015 to review his behaviour towards fellow taxi-drivers, council officers, members of the public, as well as over-ranking and using a mobile device whilst driving.

Rahman, 49, appealed the decision in front of a district judge at Reading Magistrates on 29 July 2016 and 26th August 2016 where his case was dismissed and he was ordered to pay £1,500 costs.

He then appealed the decision of the district judge at Reading Crown Court on 27 and 28 July 2017 where his case was dismissed and he was ordered to pay £6,504.04 costs.

Cllr Sarah Hacker, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, said: “It is important that the behaviour of taxi drivers licensed by the council meet the high standards expected and the council takes action when required.

“I would like to thank the council officers involved for seeing this case through and helping to secure a satisfactory outcome.”