Taxi Driver Online

Minicab firm fined for employing unlicensed driver


THE operator of a Swansea private-hire business has been fined for a series of offences, including employing an unlicensed driver to carry passengers.

Matthew Benjamin, who operates MCB Executive Travel, pleaded guilty to a the offences at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court, following a prosecution by Powys Council's environmental health service.

Magistrates were told that Benjamin, who holds the private hire operator licence with Powys Council, was found on two occasions to be operating a vehicle as a private hire vehicle without a current vehicle licence in place. Magistrates also heard he was found to be employing an unlicensed driver to undertake a hiring.

A Powys Council spokesman said it is the duty of all private hire operators to ensure all vehicles and drivers employed by them are licensed to do so. Licences are required to ensure the vehicles being used are safe and fit for purpose and that the drivers employed are also safe and fit and proper.

Benjamin pleaded guilty to three charges and was fined £350 for each of the charges. He was also ordered to pay £240 legal costs and a surcharge of £35, bring the total to £1,325.

Powys Council cabinet member for environmental health John Powell said: "The purpose of licensing the hackney carriage (taxis) and private hire trade is to ensure the safety of the public by ensuring that drivers are fit and proper and that the vehicles they drive are safe, suitable and reliable.

"This case should act as a warning to any operator that if they fail to obtain the necessary licences for their vehicles and drivers the council will take the appropriate action. Our licensing officers will continue to make sure that vehicles and their drivers comply with the important safeguards."

If businesses or members of the public in Powys want information or have any concerns about taxi licensing, they can contact the licensing service on 0845 602 7037 or email environmental.health@powys.gov.uk.


Read more: http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk ... z485d4AVOy

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I would, if I did, bet a pound to a penny this was airport/long distance work.

Too many folks do this work for peanuts, and using unlicensed drivers is often the only way they make things pay.

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IDFIMH

One would expect this Council,revokes his private operators license or the prosecution will have been invane.

Am I imagining it but wasn't this chap featured in a news story on here a few years ago for similar offences

PS yes I am too lazy to search for the story !!!

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

Nothing coming up.