Penalty Points Scheme
The Council's |Penalty Point Scheme 
was introduced to deal with minor breaches or infringements that may be committed by Hackney Carriage or Private Hire drivers or operators (e.g. minor breaches of byelaws, carrying excess passengers, failing to wear drivers badge etc). Previously, the only sanction available was the suspension/revocation of a licence or prosecution for a serious offence.
The Penalty Points Scheme is designed to act as a deterrent and warning system for the minority of drivers or operators and is intended to identify those who persistently flout the law. If a driver or operator accumulates enough penalty points within a 12-month period, revocation of their licence will be considered.
If a licence has been revoked under the Penalty Points Scheme, the licensee may apply for a new licence, but the application will not be entertained until a suitable period from the date of revocation has elapsed. For further details see the |Penalty Point Scheme guidance notes.
How to report a driver or operator infringement
The above form is designed to be used in conjunction with the |Penalty Point Scheme guidance notes and can be used to report an infringement or unacceptable behaviour by a licensed Hackney Carriage or Private Hire driver or operator.
All reports of an infringement will be investigated by the Council but we retain the right to decide whether to deal with the matter by the allocation of penalty points to the licensee or not.
How to appeal against a Penalty Points Notice
Any appeal, by the recipient of a notice, must be made in writing to the Head of Environmental Health & Licensing within 21 days of the date of receipt of the Notice, stating why the Notice is considered not appropriate. For further details see the |Penalty Point Scheme guidance notes.
