Taxi Driver Online

Fake taxi driver found guilty of plying for hire during Cheltenham race week



A fake taxi driver from Cheltenham has been found guilty of plying for hire during race week.

Steven Rising, from Chapel Lane in Cheltenham, was found guilty by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court of pretending to be a taxi driver during on Gold Cup day during the National Hunt Festival.

Council licensing officers saw Mr Rising's vehicles driving in the town with taxi markings but no licence plate in March 2016. The officers found Mr Rising's vehicle parked on Winchcombe Street and approached the vehicle.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: "This is one of several prosecutions the council is bringing against drivers who attempt to illegally ply their trade during this year's race week.

"We are pleased that we are seeing positive results from the council's efforts to catch and prosecute these drivers and we are confident that the other prosecutions to follow will also be successful."

Officers requested from Mr Rising evidence of his licences to operate at which point he produced documents that subsequently were found to be counterfeit. He was cautioned and reported for a number of offences including not having the appropriate licences and insurance.

Mr McKinlay added: "Public safety and protection is of paramount important to the council and this prosecution should send out a clear message that drivers who try to illegally ply their trade in Cheltenham will be prosecuted."

Mr Rising did not attend the Magistrates' Court hearing on Monday, September 19, and was found guilty in his absence. He was fined a total of £2,160, ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge, £1000 in costs and received six points on his driver's licence.

Sarah Hughes, licensing enforcement officer, said: "This is just another example of a driver being prosecuted by the council for operating unlawfully during Cheltenham Gold Cup week, and as a result, we will continue to put additional staff on the streets during major races to monitor such activity.

"I am hopeful that this prosecution gives a warning to drivers who wish to capitalise on the additional footfall to Cheltenham during Gold Cup week that we will take action should they operate unlawfully."

Read more at http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/ch ... xG5W9mf.99

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

well the Cheltenham festival is all about taking a gamble he lost heavily although i suspect he'll vanish and the fine won't be paid

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

How can a person be stated to illegally ply their trade when they are not a TAXI or for that matter a licensed private hire vehicle.

Have these Cabinet members been trained on TAXI & private hire matters,it would appear not.

Not so sure about that if Arfur spivson decided to set himself up as an unlicensed taxi and ranked up at the local racecourse he is "plying his trade" albeit illegally

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

Are you debating the difference between "Plying illegally" and "Illegally Plying"?

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related