A report published by SSBCrack News says 25 Bradford taxi and private hire drivers have had their council-issued professional driver licences revoked following mobile phone offences since the start of 2024.
The article attributes the figures to a Freedom of Information response from Bradford Council. It reports eight private hire revocations in 2024, eight private hire and one hackney carriage revocation in 2025, and eight private hire revocations in 2026 up to the reporting date.
A professional licence is at stake
These reported figures concern the licences that allow drivers to work in the taxi and private hire trade. They should not be read as a claim that all 25 drivers were banned from driving ordinary vehicles.
Fare101 has not independently inspected the FOI response behind the total. However, Bradford Council’s published minutes from an operator meeting on 29 February 2024 warned that mobile phone convictions can lead to licence revocation, including offences committed while stationary in traffic.
What the national guidance says
GOV.UK says it is illegal to hold and use a phone or other data-capable device while driving. The rule also applies at traffic lights and in traffic queues, including when a vehicle’s stop-start system switches off its engine.
The guidance lists six penalty points and a £200 fine for holding and using such a device while driving. Court proceedings can bring further penalties. Those road traffic consequences are separate from a council’s decision about a professional taxi or private hire licence.
Hands-free access is permitted when the device is not held, but the driver must remain in full control and the device must not obstruct their view. A mounted phone does not remove the risk of distraction.
Fare101’s practical reminder
Before setting off, secure the phone, prepare the route and minimise unnecessary notifications. If a message, booking detail or screen needs your attention, find a suitable place to park safely before dealing with it.
For a professional driver, protecting passengers and other road users also protects the ability to keep earning. A few seconds spent on a screen can have consequences far beyond a missed job.
Sources and references:
- SSBCrack News — report on Bradford licence revocations, updated 10 October 2026.
- Bradford Council — operator meeting minutes, 29 February 2024.
- GOV.UK — Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving.
Written in Fare101’s own words. Sources checked on 11 October 2026. The reported revocation total is attributed to SSBCrack News; practical commentary is Fare101’s.