Wellingborough taxi company prosecuted

The driver, John Barry Plummer from Thirlmere, Wellingborough, was caught out by a county council transport inspector in December last year during a random check. Mr Plummer claimed to have left his badge at home, but his licence had actually expired 13 months previously. A check of the insurance policy for the vehicle also revealed that the insurance was invalid if the driver didn't hold a private hire or hackney carriage licence. Mr Plummer was prosecuted by Wellingborough Council last month and was fined £795 for not renewing his licence and having inadequate insurance.

It is the responsibility of the private hire company to ensure that their drivers meet the licensing requirements. By using an unlicensed driver, Twenty 4 Seven Travel were putting public safety at risk as the driver will not have been through the required safety checks and passengers will not be covered by insurance in the event of an accident.

The case was heard on Thursday 2June at Wellingborough Magistrates Court. The company pleaded guilty and was fined £500 for operating with an unlicensed driver and £500 for employing an unlicensed driver. The total fine was £1,115 including council costs and victim surcharge.

Amanda Wilcox, Wellingborough Council's health protection manager said: "We take complaints about unlicensed drivers very seriously and the council will not hesitate to prosecute both the drivers and the companies who employ them. It is hoped that this case serves as a warning to others.
"We would advise anyone using a taxi or private hire vehicle to check that the driver is displaying an up-to-date ID badge before starting their journey. Any concerns or complaints about drivers or vehicles carrying out taxi work should be directed to the council's licensing section."