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Private hire driver pays penalty for unbooked fare
A PRIVATE hire driver who picked up two young women without a booking has been fined hundreds of pounds.
Andrew Priest, aged 38, of Regent Street, South Hiendley, Barnsley, continued working after finishing his shift with private hire firm Blueline and picked up two young women on Eldon Street in the early hours of 14 September 2008.
When they realised the car was not the private hire vehicle they booked they panicked and Mr Priest dumped them at the side of the road in an area of Barnsley they did not know.
The women made a note of the vehicle licence plate number and reported the incident to the Licensing Team at the Council's Regulatory Services.
Priest pleaded guilty at Barnsley Magistrates Court to plying for hire and having no insurance.
He was ordered to pay £868.62 in fines and costs and received six penalty points on his licence.
Coun Charles Wraith, chairman of the General Regulatory Licensing Board, said: "This prosecution sends out a strong message that council licensing enforcement officers will take all necessary steps to ensure public safety.
"Only licensed hackney carriages can be flagged down in the street and I hope this acts as a warning to others who think they can pick up fares that are not pre-booked. These actions invalidate the vehicle insurance which puts the safety of passengers at risk, which is unforgivable."
Rogue taxis can be reported to Barnsley Council's regulatory services on 01226 772468.
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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
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