Taxi Driver Online

Warning to revellers after unlicensed taxi driver fined

A FORMER Goring parish councillor has been fined £400 for operating as an unlicensed taxi driver. Anthony Ewen, 48, of Gatehampton Farm, used to run Golden Taxis and advertised at Goring station.

After receiving several complaints, South Oxfordshire District Council’s licensing officers carried out a test purchase operation in September 2010.

Last month, Oxford Magistrates’ Court heard evidence relating to three offences: plying for hire in an unlicensed vehicle, acting as a Hackney Carriage driver without a valid licence and using a vehicle without valid insurance. Ewen was also ordered to pay £200 in costs and a victim surcharge of £15.

District council leader Ann Ducker said: “To hold a licence, drivers have to meet some tough standards which are there to protect public safety. It is very important that people only use licensed taxis. At this time of year, when the Christmas party season is getting into full swing, you need be extra vigilant.

“Licensed taxis, whether private hire or Hackney Carriages, have a licence plate with the council’s logo. Private hire vehicles have to be pre-booked and, unlike Hackneys, cannot be flagged down. All licensed taxi drivers should display photo ID.”

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IDFIMH

The test purchase was in September 2010 and it has just got to court.

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Grandad,