Not entirely clear what's going on here - seems the licence had expired, but hadn't been surrendered, but as far as I can see nothing to suggest the car was being used for hire and reward. Or at least that's what she claims, according to the article - maybe the facts suggest otherwise
Not sure about law in England, but think strictly speaking here in Scotland it's an offence not to surrender an expired licence, but if car not being used for hire and reward it seems a very technical offence, and rarely prosecuted, I would have thought. But if that's what's happened here then the punishment seems very harsh
Woman drove taxi without a licence
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/ ... t-licence/
A WOMAN is facing a legal bill of almost £1,500 for driving a taxi without a licence or valid insurance.
Lorraine Ferguson was investigated following a complaint about her driving from a member of the public.
They had complained that Ferguson had unexpectedly pulled in front of their car on July 9.
He had had to brake harshly in poor weather, and with his children in the car, to narrowly avoid an accident with Ferguson.
Checks by Durham County Council revealed that her hackney carriage licence had expired several weeks earlier.
As a result of the licence expiring, Ferguson’s insurance was also invalid.
Ferguson, 43, confirmed she had been driving the car at the time of the incident. When interviewed under caution she admitted that she had stopped working as a taxi driver and claimed that surrendering her licence had slipped her mind.
Ferguson, of Lowther Avenue, Chester-le-Street, failed to attend Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court. The case was heard in her absence and she was fined £1,100.
Ferguson was also ordered to pay £357 court costs and a £66 victim surcharge. Eight points will also be added to her driving licence.
Council spokesman Owen Cleugh said, “Having a valid hackney carriage driver’s licence is vital in order to help keep members of the public safe."
