The article doesn't say whether the police prosecuted the driver, or they reported him to the council due to the offence being timed out.
Ashford taxi driver loses bid to regain licence after using phone at the wheel while driving along M25https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/ne ... nd-341210/A taxi driver has failed in his bid to regain his licence after being caught using a mobile phone while driving on the M25.
Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) decision to revoke Mehmet Kaygun’s permit to operate was upheld following an appeal hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 3.
The court backed the local authorities’ position, stating public safety must remain the overriding consideration in taxi licensing decisions and dismissed Mr Kaygun’s appeal.
In November 2025, Surrey Police submitted a report to ABC concerning Mr Kaygun, who at the time held a private hire driver’s licence.
Officers observed him driving on the M25 while holding and using a phone for a prolonged period.
An electronic tablet inside the vehicle was also noted and was said to contribute to further distraction.
Evidence presented by police, including officers’ observations and dashcam footage, showed Mr Kaygun repeatedly looking away from the road while holding the phone in front of him as he travelled in live traffic conditions.
Following an investigation, ABC concluded the driver’s conduct raised serious concerns about public safety and determined that he no longer met the requirement to be considered a “fit and proper person” to hold a private hire driver’s licence.
His licence was subsequently revoked with immediate effect.
Mr Kaygun appealed the decision, with the case heard at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on June 3.
While magistrates acknowledged the personal impact the revocation would have on Mr Kaygun, they confirmed the decision had to be based solely on public safety considerations.
The court noted an individual’s personal circumstances or livelihood could not lawfully be taken into account when determining whether they were fit to hold a taxi licence.
In reaching its decision, the court considered ABC’s taxi licensing policy, relevant national guidance and statutory Department for Transport standards.
Magistrates placed themselves in the position of the licensing authority and concluded they were not satisfied that the council’s decision had been wrong.
The appeal was dismissed, and Mr Kaygun was ordered to pay £2,000 towards the council’s costs incurred in defending the case.
Cllr Katrina Giles (Green), cabinet member of communities and health, said: “Residents expect drivers of licensed vehicles to always operate safely.”
“The council has a clear duty to ensure that all licensed drivers meet the ‘fit and proper person’ test.
“This case demonstrates that we will act decisively where standards fall short, particularly where road safety is concerned.
“Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is both dangerous and unlawful, and it will not be tolerated within the licensed trade in Ashford.”
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