Sophia Dower

Licensing

Sophia has a growing licensing practice and is regularly instructed in proceedings before City of London Magistrates Court in respect of appeals against adverse decisions taken by Transport for London.

Notable Cases:

H v TFL

Successful appeal before the Central Criminal Court against TFL’s refusal to renew H’s Private Hire Licence. H was subject to a police complaint alleging sexual misconduct against a female passenger, together with other conduct related complaints made to his operator Uber. After a full hearing, the Court was satisfied that TFL’s decision was wrong and in addition, handed down a written judgement with comprehensive recommendations to TFL.

A v TFL

Successfully appealed against TFL’s decision to revoke an Uber driver’s Private Hire Licence on safety grounds as a result of a complaint by a passenger that A sexually touched her. TFL also relied on 16 other complaints of dishonesty, poor driving and inappropriate behaviour against A. Sophia persuaded the Court that the complaints were evidentially weak and unreliable which resulted in a successful appeal.

AA v TFL

Appeared on behalf of a private hire driver who had his licence revoked on medical grounds.