A TAXI driver from East Cambridgeshire has lost an appeal at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court, after he tried to get a decision to revoke his licence overturned.

Mr Sukri Ahmet, aged 51 from Burwell, who was employed by Burwell Taxis Private Hire and Mini Bus Service, had his Joint Hackney Carriage and Private Driver Licence revoked by the Taxi Licensing Sub Committee of East Cambridgeshire District Council on April 13, after officers became aware of a number of road traffic offences he had committed.

The magistrates have now upheld the decision of the Council, revoked Mr Ahmet’s licence, and ordered him to pay costs of �6427.04.

Cllr Tony Goodge, Chairman of Licensing Committee, said: “While the vast majority of taxi drivers in East Cambridgeshire are law abiding, there maybe one or two who think they can get away with not following the rules and putting in jeopardy the safety of their passengers. This is not acceptable to anyone – to the Council as the Licensing Authority, to the Taxi trade and but most importantly to the passengers who place their lives in the trust of their driver.

“We take very seriously any breaches of Council licensing conditions and the law as we have shown in this case where officers worked incredibly hard to put together the case against Mr Ahmet. We hope this case will be a warning to anyone who thinks they can flaunt the rules that we will take action to rid our taxi trade of the tiny minority who break the law. Our goal is to ensure that when you step into a taxi in East Cambridgeshire you do so in the knowledge that you will have a safe and secure journey.”

Anyone wanting information on licensing issues can call the council on 01353 665555, or contact the authority by e-mail at customerservices@eastcambs.gov.uk or via the website, www.eastcambs.gov.uk.