UNLICENSED TAXI DRIVERS FINED

UNLICENSED TAXI DRIVERS ARE FINED AND DISQUALIFIED FROM DRIVING

Two unlicensed taxi drivers have been ordered to pay fines and costs of hundreds of pounds and disqualified from driving in a successful prosecution brought by Cheshire West and Chester Council's Regulatory Services Team.

Paul Joseph Stafford, 41, of Gresford Close, Warrington, and his brother, Andrew Thomas Stafford, 35, of Livingstone Close, Warrington pleaded guilty in court last week.

Paul Stafford was fined £153 and received eight penalty points for each of his two offences, which disqualifies him from driving for six months. He was also ordered to pay £125 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Andrew Stafford was fined £253 and received eight penalty points for each of his three offences, which disqualifies him from driving for six months. He was also ordered to pay £125 costs and a £29 victim surcharge.

A licensed operator was convicted and sentenced at an earlier hearing in connection with the offences.

Licensed drivers undergo training, criminal records checks and a medical test before they are issued with a licence.
Licensed vehicles are also tested for safety and comfort before a licence is granted. These tests and inspections are conducted more frequently and to a higher standard that other unlicensed road vehicles.

Use of an unlicensed vehicle or driver invalidates motor insurance and passengers should always check that the vehicle and driver they are using are properly licensed.

Maria Byrne, Director of Place Operations for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "This case sends out a clear message that the authority will not tolerate unlicensed vehicles or drivers putting the travelling public at risk.
We had no option other than to instigate prosecution proceedings.
"Licensed vehicles have plates attached to prove they are licensed which include an expiry date and vehicle licence number.
Drivers also have to wear a photo-ID badge provided by the Council."