Quote:
Colin Eltringham was caught breaking the law after council staff received a tip-off that an unlicensed driver was being used by taxi firm.
Newton Aycliffe magistrates were told how the 53-year-old failed a test purchase exercise in August last year when he picked up consumer protection officers posing as members of the public from outside of a pub in Sedgefield.
The Durham County Council officers had made the booking with Sedgefield Taxis after receiving information that an unlicensed driver was driving one of the company’s vehicles.
Newton Aycliffe magistrates were told how the 53-year-old failed a test purchase exercise in August last year when he picked up consumer protection officers posing as members of the public from outside of a pub in Sedgefield.
The Durham County Council officers had made the booking with Sedgefield Taxis after receiving information that an unlicensed driver was driving one of the company’s vehicles.
Wonder how the test purchasers managed to ensure that that particular driver rolled up for the booking?
Anyway, brings to mind that discussion a few months ago about a PH operator's obligations regarding HCs working form them, and how it may differ from their obligations regarding PHVs.
The firm here may have been an unlicensed HC-only despatch operation, in which case even if they were aware they were using an unlicensed driver there's no action the authorities can take against them.
Except perhaps if the proprietors of the despatch operation also have HC plates and badges, in which case using an unlicensed driver could impact on their fit and proper status??