High Court: Biswas v TfL

On 19th March 2025 the High Court handed down it decision in the case of Biswas v Transport for London [2025] EWHC 567 (Admin).  It concerned an appeal brought by Mr Biswas regarding his conviction for using unlicensed private hire vehicles and drivers (contrary to sections 6 and 12 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998).  He contested the provision centred on school transport and, as such, the services were an exception (or exempt) from regulation.  Questions also arose around who bears the burden of proof for establishing the purported exceptional status, or otherwise, of the vehicles.  The court found in favour of Transport for London and dismissed the appeal.