Rhondda man used his own car to ferry people between pubs, charging them as if he were a taxi Hywel Jones of Llwynypia was fined £365 and had six points put on his licence after council officers, posing as customers, were given a lift by him
A Rhondda man who used his own car to ferry people between local pubs, charging them as if he were a taxi, has been fined.
According to a statement from Rhondda Cynon Taf council Hywel Jones, 36, of Salem Terrace in Llwynypia, was prosecuted by the authority’s trading standards department because he didn’t have the licences and insurance to run a taxi service.
Jones used his own three-door red Ford Fiesta to undertake the journeys, charging customers as if he was a licensed private-hire vehicle operator.
RCT council said its licensing officers received complaints about unlicensed taxis in the Ton Pentre area, and began an investigation.
Licensing officers charged £3 for journey
On June 20, 2015, they say they witnessed Mr Jones use an unlicensed Ford Fiesta in the areas of the New Inn and Fagins pubs in Ton Pentre.
Posing as customers, the officers asked him to take them to Treorchy and he agreed.
They climbed into the back of the vehicle via the driver and front passenger seats and were charged £3 for the journey.
They also witnessed him use the same vehicle in Ton Pentre at locations such as the Banc pub.
According to the RCT council statement, Jones was approached by officers who told him they had concerns he was operating as a taxi driver illegally.
Pleaded guilty to four offences
He was later interviewed by officers and admitted using the Ford Fiesta on the evening in question. He also recalled being sent a letter by officers in January 2015 warning him of his activities following reports of the unlicensed vehicle being used in Pontypridd.
Mr Jones was reported for a total of four offences under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and Road Traffic Act 1988 for use of unlicensed vehicle, no private hire vehicle driver licence, no private hire operator licence and no insurance for the purpose of hire and reward.
According to RCT council, he pleaded guilty to all four offences at Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 8.
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He was fined £365 and ordered to pay £350.22 in costs and a victim surcharge, bringing the total fines and costs to £737.
Magistrates put six penalty points on his driving licence.
Jones 'damaged livelihoods' of legitimate drivers
Paul Mee, RCT council’s director of public health and protection, said: “Rogue taxi drivers are a serious concern for our residents and we work hard to reassure them and keep them safe by ensuring the vehicles and drivers used by taxi customers are licensed, legal and of the highest possible standard.
“We have recently undertaken consultation with taxi customers to secure feedback on how the service can further be improved and work with partners such as South Wales Police to ensure consumers are aware of the risks of getting into a vehicle without checking it is a legitimate taxi with a legitimate driver.
“Here we have a case of someone who literally used his own car and personal insurance to drive a vehicle in the Rhondda and Pontypridd areas, operating as a taxi to earn money when he didn’t have the licenses or insurance needed to do so.
“As well as putting consumers at risk, Mr Jones’ activity also damaged the livelihoods and reputations of the many taxi drivers we have providing an excellent, safe and legal service to the communities of Rhondda Cynon Taff .”
If you have concerns regarding rogue taxis or the standards of an operating taxi service, email
licensing@rctcbc.gov.uk or call 01443 425001.
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