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Taxi driver loses his licence in battle with Spelthorne Council
A hackney carriage driver has failed in his appeal against Spelthorne Council's decision to suspend his licence and has been fined over £4,000.
On Thursday September 17 at Staines Magistrates Court, Abdul Matin Ghaznawi was ordered to pay costs of £4449.51 and surrender his licence for not being a fit and proper person to hold one.
In May the council suspended Ghaznawi's licence for 30 days for failing to comply with a by-law which requires Hackney Carriage drivers to move on if a particular taxi rank is full.
He was previously seen by council staff parking outside taxi rank markings in Gresham Road, Staines four times, and was given two written warnings and attended a formal interview with council staff.
The court made the decision that the driver had failed to comply with the provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
Councillor Robin Sider, chairman of the licensing committee, said: "This case demonstrates the council's commitment to ensuring that taxi drivers keep to the rules. It is completely unacceptable to play fast and loose with the licensing laws in this way and I hope this will put down a marker for others that it will not be tolerated."
Councillor Colin Davis, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "As I have said before, those who break the rules will be punished. Equally, those who launch hopeless appeals can expect to pay the costs in full."
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