Taxi Driver Online

Taxi warning after illegal Worthing 'cab' case

WORTHING Council is warning the public to make sure the private hire taxi they use is legal. Former hire driver Ian Cole, previously of Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, who had his licence removed by the council in 2006, pleaded guilty by post to operating an unlicensed private hire business in Worthing.

Cole was caught in a "test purchase" operation organised by the council's licensing unit, with the assistance of Sussex Police, in August, 2008. Cole arrived to pick up passengers, despite having had his private hire driver's licence renewal refused by the borough council in October, 2006.

Worthing Magistrates' Court took mitigating circumstances into account, including the fact that Cole had now sold his "cab". He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £50 costs, plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Council environmental health manager David Bowen said: "If a bogus company or individual operates outside the law, we have no way of establishing if the vehicle is roadworthy, correctly insured or whether the person driving the vehicle is fit and proper to carry members of the public.

"Public safety is paramount and unlicensed vehicles and drivers, at the very least, are unlikely to have insurance cover that will cover their passengers in the event of a serious accident."

A private hire vehicle should display a plate on the rear of the car and door stickers, and the driver should wear a badge with photo ID around the neck.

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IDFIMH

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IDFIMH