A council decision to strip a driver of his taxi licence has been upheld at magistrates' court this week.
Published: Tuesday, 8th July 2025
Cherwell District Council revoked Mohammed Shahzad’s licence with immediate effect on 4 July 2024 following reports of inappropriate behaviour towards a vulnerable female passenger who had booked a five-minute ride in his car.
Mr. Shahzad, 46, of Evenlode, Banbury appealed this decision but at a hearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 7 July, the court found that the driver’s behaviour was unprofessional and breached his licensing conditions.
Councillor Rob Parkinson, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, said: “Taxis are a key service for Cherwell residents, allowing them to get to work, the shops, or to attend vital appointments. We work hard to give residents the confidence to travel by taxi and this includes strictly upholding the conditions attached to drivers’ licences.
“This not only requires them to be fit and proper licence holders but comes with additional safeguarding training and responsibilities. This was a rare but serious breach of those driver responsibilities, and I am glad that we acted swiftly to remove Mr Shahzad’s licence to protect the public.
“I welcome the magistrate’s decision this week and I hope it gives passengers the reassurance that the licensing authority takes their safety and comfort very seriously.”
Before being granted a licence, taxi drivers have to pass an enhanced DBS check and take disability awareness and safeguarding training.
Mr. Shahzad was ordered to pay a portion of the council’s costs in bringing the case to court.