District council prosecutes driver over Stansted Airport drop-offUTTLESFORD District Council has prosecuted a man for acting as an illegal taxi at Stansted Airport.
Michael Fisher, from Hatfield Garden Village, was found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of using a vehicle with no driver, vehicle or operator’s licence.
He was fined £250 and was ordered to pay £450 costs and also pay a victim surcharge of £15.
On May 24 this year, the council’s enforcement officers were carrying out stop checks on vehicles arriving at Stansted Airport, working in partnership with the police.
A car stopped and dropped off a passenger and the enforcement officer became suspicious because of the way the driver was acting.
After leaving the scene, the driver was stopped by the police and cautioned by the council officers for not having the appropriate private hire licences. The driver claimed that his licence plate and badge were both at home.
Fisher had previously been licensed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, but this had lapsed.
Following the case, heard on November 20, Uttlesford District Council’s cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Alastair Walters, said: “It is inexcusable to operate a taxi service in this way. Licensing requirements are there for a reason. They are to protect the public and keep them safe. This particular driver had no regard for his passengers at all.”
He went on to say: “If anyone wishes to use a taxi, they can easily check if both the vehicle and driver are licensed. Most taxis will have a licence plate attached to them, giving details of the vehicle and expiry date of the licence. Drivers will also carry an identification badge. There is also a list on the council’s website
www.uttlesford.gov.uksource:
http://www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk/ ... 122012.htm
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