A Wolverhampton private hire firm that had its licence revoked by the city council due to serious safety concerns has lost its final appeal against the decision.

Westside Radio Cars, in Stafford Street, was stripped of its operating licence by Wolverhampton City Council's Licensing Committee in October last year after officers discovered it was using unlicensed and uninsured vehicles.

The company then unsuccessfully contested the decision at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court in April this year.

And, after Westside appealed this, the Crown court on Friday (25 July, 2014) backed the authority's original decision. This represented the last legal avenue the firm could pursue to try to overturn the Council's decision to revoke the licence.

Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for City Services, said: "We are very pleased that the courts have recognised the seriousness of this case.

"Ensuring the safety of the public is of paramount importance to us when we licence operators and drivers.

"We did not take this decision lightly. Licensing Services works closely with all businesses to support them and ensure they meet the relevant requirements.

"But in cases such as this where public safety is compromised we must take strong action, this has been recognised by the Courts."

Westside was ordered to pay £6,000 costs.

  • released: Monday 28 July, 2014