Taxi driver revoked for inappropriate behaviour against a passenger

Mr Shams Pervaiz, from Watford, had his licence taken away with immediate effect by the council’s licensing department after the incident was reported to the council, which acts as the local licencing authority.

Licensing officers interviewed the victim, who sat in the front passenger seat, and the other three passengers, who sat in the rear of the vehicle. They recounted that Mr Pervaiz’s behaviour, and the conversations had with the driver, during the journey made the passengers feel extremely uncomfortable.

Following this report of inappropriate touching, the driver’s licence was immediately revoked in the interest of public safety.

Officers considered him not to be a fit and proper person, or safe and suitable, to remain a licensed taxi driver after they interviewed Mr Pervaiz.

The hearing took place at St Albans Magistrate Court in front of Deputy District Judge Low on 16 December 2024.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Deputy Leader of Three Rivers District Council and Lead Member for General Public Services, said: “Public safety is paramount. Let this be a stark reminder to all licensed drivers that incidents of this nature are dealt with robustly and any driver that falls below the expected high standards, runs the risk of losing their licence and their livelihood.

“All drivers licensed by Three Rivers District Council are expected to act with integrity, to demonstrate conduct befitting the trust that is placed in them and to ensure the comfort and safety of their passengers at all times.”