Driver loses hire licence

Julian Deeprose of Mill Road, Heathfield, lodged an appeal with the court after Wealden District Council revoked his drivers and operators licences in October 2002 after discovering he had operated his private hire vehicle without any vehicle insurance.

A routine check by the police and Council officers in March 2002 at Mr Deeprose's home also found that his vehicle had two bald tyres and his licence had been suspended temporarily as a result.

Mr Deeprose explained to the Court that he was unaware that the insurance company had cancelled his vehicle insurance in October 2001. He was in dispute with the company over his no-claims bonus and the level of his annual premium but thought that his insurance cover had continued.

Also, serious illnesses within his family during 2001 and 2002 had meant that he had had less time to devote to his business affairs.

In dismissing Mr Deeprose's appeal, the court explained that it was not persuaded that he was totally unaware of the cancellation of his vehicle insurance and it was satisfied that he had recklessly ignored the defective tyres. The Magistrates concluded that he was not a 'fit and proper' person to hold a private hire licence.

At the time of revoking the licence, Wealden District Council's Regulatory Committee said its Members would not consider any reapplication from Mr Deeprose until October 2003.