Taxi Driver Online

Can't be bothered looking back, but as I recall it Uttlesford Council pretty hot on things like this

And for the benefit of some on here, I've highlighted the fine and costs bit in case they're preoccupied with making their views known rather than actually reading the piece

But even the council's official press release here gets the *fine* wrong - the 'almost £1,500' fine also includes costs


Unlicensed driver fined after illegally operating in Uttlesford

https://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/article/9 ... Uttlesford

An unlicensed private hire driver who was found by council enforcement officers operating a vehicle without a private hire licence in Uttlesford has been fined almost £1,500.

Peter Garrett, of Little Walden Road, Saffron Walden, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 1 August, and was found guilty on three charges:

- One charge of acting as the driver of a private hire vehicle without having a current licence

- One charge of operating a private hire vehicle without holding a current licence; and,

- One charge of using a motor vehicle without valid insurance.

The court heard that council enforcement officers were made aware of social media posts published by Mr Garrett which were advertising his services for private hire work under the guise of a private chauffeur. Officers, acting in the capacity of a member of public, called the telephone number and had a booking accepted for a pre-agreed price of £35.00. Mr Garrett arrived at the agreed pick-up point where he was met by the officers.

Mr Garrett did not hold the required licences for this activity contrary to the law, and as a result he also did not have the appropriate insurance cover on his vehicle.

He was fined £580 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £232 plus costs of £600, totalling £1,412. In addition, 6 penalty points were endorsed on his DVLA licence.

Cllr Alex Armstrong, Chair of the council's Licensing and Environmental Health Committee, said: "These are extremely serious offences, and we hope this successful prosecution will serve as a warning to others that we will take appropriate action against those who flout the law".

And for anyone as nitpicking as me, I've just assumed it was on Facebook - the news release simply says 'social media posts', but 'Facebook' was easier to fit into the thread title

Our Council have told me that they are not allowed to monitor social media and other places to gather evidence. They do annoy me.

Don't know if it's relevant, but obviously the Uttlesford LOs had something specifically brought to their attention, rather than maybe routinely monitoring stuff...: "enforcement officers were made aware of social media posts."

Our officers have been made aware of what is going on, drivers have even reported instances where they have seen it happening but our officers say that they can't do anything.

Well that's because they are clueless.

If they are saying they don't have the manpower to search social media, then I can understand that, but if they are made aware of iffy adverts by licensed drivers or operators then they have a legal duty to investigate.

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IDFIMH

Once council officials have set their minds against something it's like trying to get a lead donkey to move

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