Stockton minicab driver to pay thousands of pounds for operating illegally The cabbie was hit with a fine and costs for driving a private hire vehicle without a licence and for driving without insurance
Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard that Zulfikar Ali was seen driving a private hire vehicle in Stockton borough on June 10 last year.
When later questioned by Stockton Council licensing officers it was clear Mr Ali did not have a private hire driver’s licence and was not authorised to drive private hire vehicles.
He was also found not to have the appropriate insurance.
In court yesterday Ali, 35, of Yarm Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Local Government Act 1976 and not guilty to one offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
He was convicted of both offences and was ordered to pay £2,141.50 in fines and costs for driving a private hire vehicle without a licence and for driving without insurance.
Ali also received six penalty points on his driving licence for the insurance offence.
In mitigation, the court heard Ali believed he was covered under his own insurance policy.
Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s Cabinet member for access, communities and community safety, said: “We have a reputable taxi trade across Stockton Borough however this case is a clear reminder that it is illegal for any person to drive a private hire vehicle without first being licensed by the local authority.
“In the majority of cases a vehicle will also not be insured during any journey undertaken by an unlicensed driver and for this reason our officers work pro-actively to stamp out this practice and keep our residents safe.
“Drivers who may be tempted to drive private hire vehicles without first being licensed should be warned that they will face tough penalties.”
source:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teess ... s-11316159
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