An illegal taxi driver has been successfully prosecuted by Flintshire County Council after pleading guilty to acting as a Private Hire Driver without a licence, acting as a Private Hire Operator without a licence and using a vehicle as a Private Hire Vehicle without a licence to do so.
David Hett of 14 Bro Alun, Mold was fined £225, a £15 surcharge and ordered to pay £280 Costs after Officers of the Licensing Section phoned and booked a ‘taxi’ with him in March earlier this year.
Dr Paul McGreary, Flintshire’s Head of Public Protection said:
“Private Hire Vehicles licensed by this authority must undergo two MOT and compliance tests per year and be insured to carry passengers for ‘hire or reward’. Licensed Private Hire Drivers must undertake a series of checks before becoming licensed such as enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Checks, DVLA checks, references and medicals to ensure their fitness to hold such a licence.
To operate without any of these licenses undermines the safety of the general public.”
Flintshire County Council’s Licensing Section urge users of Private Hire and Taxi services to ensure the vehicle is displaying a Private Hire / Hackney Carriage plate on the rear of the vehicle, a smaller license in the front windscreen, and doorsigns displaying the name of the company on the sides. Unlicensed vehicles will not be insured to carry fare paying passengers.
