Taxi Driver Online

Plymouth minicab driver caught by sting operation

A PRIVATE hire driver was hauled before magistrates after he was caught red-handed picking up a fare without a booking.

The driver was caught picking up two test purchasers off the street without the fare being pre-booked during a test purchase operation carried out by Plymouth City Council in September.

Known as ‘plying for hire’, these pick-ups are not covered by the car’s insurance so put passengers at risk.

If passengers have problems the journey will not be recorded and circumstances of any complaint are more difficult to investigate.

The driver was found guilty of three offences of plying for hire without a licence, not having valid insurance as he was covered for ‘hire and reward by prior appointment only’ and also not wearing his identity badge.

He was fined £100 at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday(May 1) for the first count, £200 and six penalty points for driving without insurance for the second and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £1,263 costs.

Hackney carriage (black cab) drivers can ‘ply for hire’ off the street or from the council’s appointed taxi ranks situated throughout the city.

Passengers are reminded that yellow door stickers are attached to the front doors of private hire vehicles which clearly state that the driver can only take pre-booked fares.

A spokesman for Plymouth City Council’s taxi licensing department said: “We carry out test purchase operations to make sure private hire drivers abide by the conditions of their licence.

“The vast majority follow the rules but in this case, chancing a ride proved very expensive for this driver as he sought to gain an unfair advantage over his competitors.

“We hope this serves as a reminder to other private hire drivers not to be tempted to pick up passengers without going through the operator and a reminder for people wanting a lift home – do not try to flag down a private hire vehicle.

“You are not covered by their insurance and you are putting yourself at unnecessary risk.”


Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymout ... z3ZIUfjjCp

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