Former taxi boss Paul Singh wins appeal to keep hold of licence

Jun 19 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A TAXI boss who faced the threat of being banned from driving cabs has won the fight to hold onto his licence.

Gurpal Singh Chahal successfully appealed against Kirklees Council’s decision to revoke his Hackney carriage and private hire driver’s badge. It means he can continue as a taxi driver. But Mr Singh, known as ‘Paul,’ is no longer allowed to run taxi firms after deciding not to fight the decision to revoke his operator’s badge.

Mr Singh had been in charge of Streamline and Ex Service Taxis.

But his licence for a fleet of more than 20 cars was suspended in May last year by licensing officers over concerns he had been using unsafe cabs without valid insurance.

Mr Singh told the Examiner he did not fight for his operator’s licence because the council had been giving him “too much hassle.”

He said he was pleased Huddersfield magistrates upheld his appeal over the Hackney carriage and private hire badge.

“I was cleared of every allegation,” he added.

A council spokeswoman said: “Mr Singh’s operating badge has been permanently revoked. This means he is not allowed to operate taxi companies but he will be allowed to drive taxis.”