A bid to operate a food truck selling Mexican cuisine near Canning Town Station has been refused by Newham Council's Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee due to significant safety and legality concerns.
Mr Mirza Saeed Baig had applied for a temporary street trading licence to operate his food truck, Chiikoos,
on Silvertown Way, opposite Canning Town Station. The proposed trading hours were Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 9 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm.
However, the council's Highways & Sustainable Transport Team lodged an objection. Principal Network Engineer Matthew Rolfe explained that operating a vehicle on the footway is prohibited under the Greater London Council General Powers Act 1974 and the Highways Act 1980. Mr Rolfe highlighted potential obstructions for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities, and the risk of damage to underground utility apparatus. Beyond these issues, the refusal was also based on the illegality of driving and parking a vehicle on the footway, which is prohibited under Section 15 of the Greater London Council General Powers Act 1974 and Section 130 of the Highways Act 1980. Furthermore, concerns were raised about an exclusion zone by Transport for London (TfL) under the Canning Town Flyover, which prohibits cooking activities due to fire and explosion risks.
During the hearing, Mr Baig expressed his disappointment, stating he was unaware of the restrictions. He mentioned receiving advice that trading in the area was permissible, saying, I spoke to them like, is it possible for me to trade from there? And the first thing I was being told, well, yeah, maybe because you can trade from under the bridge or in that area.
He indicated that he contacted the licensing team after searching for licensing team
on Google and that the first number he found was for the relevant department. He also mentioned speaking to someone named Ben.
Councillors Muhammad Majeed and Simon Rush questioned Mr Baig's awareness of the pedestrianised area, noting the presence of numerous signs. Councillor Rush also raised concerns about the legality of the proposed activity.
The committee discussed the possibility of imposing conditions, but the Highways representative stated they could not condone an illegal act. Mr Baig also enquired about trading at Stephenson Street, in front of a club called Fold. He was advised that this would likely require a premises licence in addition to a temporary street trading licence, incurring significant costs. The council also suggested exploring market locations around the borough where licenses are issued for traders.
After considering all submissions, the Licensing Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application. A full written decision, including the reasons for refusal, will be sent to Mr Baig within five working days. The committee noted that there is no right of appeal for temporary street trading applications.
The meeting also highlighted potential consequences for Mr Baig if he were to attempt to operate his food truck in the prohibited area. It was stated that it is a Criminal Offence to drive on the public footpath? So even if this Temporary Street Trading Licence is granted you maybe subject to Fixed Penalty Notices if your vehicle is driving over or on a public footway, and your vehicle may even be towed if breaching the Highway Road Traffic Act 1988.
While this refers to operating despite a potential grant, it implies similar consequences for operating without a license in a prohibited area.
The typical process for obtaining a temporary street trading licence in Newham involves a 21-day consultation period. Applicants are usually provided with information regarding restrictions, such as the illegality of driving and parking on footways and the existence of exclusion zones, as detailed in the Highways representation and the standard licence conditions. See Public reports pack 10th-Aug-2026 10.00 Licensing 2003 Act Sub-Committee.pdf
