Taxi Driver Online

Unlicensed Taxi Driver Prosecuted in Towcester


A man driving unsuspecting passengers in an unlicensed car has been successfully prosecuted and given a criminal record thanks to South Northamptonshire Council's Licensing team. Norman Bull aged 63 from Tiffield was convicted at Towcester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 8 June for running an unlicensed private hire operation from his home address.

In July 2008 South Northamptonshire Council licensing officers carried out a test purchase against Mr Bull. His company has been known as Norman Bull Driving Services as well as A to Z Driving Services. Though he pleaded not guilty he was fined £850 together with £450 costs. In Court he stated that had been doing what he referred to as ‘chauffeur type’ work for the last 20 years.

Getting into an unlicensed taxi or car has many risks – the driver will probably not have had a recent Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check so could have convictions, and the car would probably not have valid insurance so in the event of an accident, there would be no cover. Also, the car may not be roadworthy as it would not have gone through the Council’s stringent checks that make sure the car is suitable for that type of use.

Councillor Mike Hill, Cabinet member responsible for licensing, said:
"The safety of our residents in using taxis and private hire vehicles is paramount. Luckily, there are very few incidents like these and we do overall have a good community of licensed drivers. Any person running a private hire business must be licensed by the local authority, as must their drivers and vehicles.”

South Northamptonshire Council licensing officers urge anybody considering a journey with any such company to make sure that they are licensed before booking The team can be contacted on 01327 322192.

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IDFIMH

I notice that our local unlicensed airport transfer specialist has finally plated his vehicle !

A cause for celebration.

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IDFIMH

Someone sent this comment via e-mail.

Alex

Hi,

I wish you to be aware that the operator in this article is still operating as much as he ever was (as of 3rd August 2009) without licnces and people should be aware

thank you

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ʎɐqǝ uo pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ɐ ʎnq ı ǝɯıʇ ʇsɐן ǝɥʇ sı sıɥʇ

Simply the best taxi forum in the whole wide world. www.taxi-driver.co.uk

I hope Mr Anon has passed all his info to the local licensing authority.

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IDFIMH