Taxi Driver Online

Somerset taxi driver banned after operating "prolifically" without a licence

A Somerset taxi driver who was prolifically operating without a licence has been fined £870 and banned from driving for 12 months.

Michael Cook, 62, from Forester Road, Portishead, pleaded guilty to six offences of operating an illegal taxi service.

Following his sentencing on January 5, he has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 in legal costs.

Cook was caught following an investigation by North Somerset Council with assistance from Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The investigation found that he had deliberately decided not to apply for a licence to operate a taxi, therefore avoiding vehicle safety and medical health checks, but still obtaining payment from passengers.

Councillor Felicity Baker, North Somerset Council’s executive member with responsibility for licensing, said that the prosecution sent a strong message to rogue taxi drivers.

She said: "Operating without the correct licence is completely irresponsible and will not be tolerated. We will take action.

"Taxis are licenced in order to keep passengers safe by ensuring the drivers and their vehicles both undertake regular checks.

"Before you travel in any vehicle, please check they are displaying a licence number and if they fail to do so, report it to North Somerset Council."

_________________
IDFIMH

so why did it take so long ??

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Sadly these things take that long.

Which is why there are so few prosecutions of this nature, despite it being as the article says, prolific.

_________________
IDFIMH