Illegal Taxi Driver prosecuted
A taxi driver who operated illegally, putting others at risk, has been fined and banned from driving.
The successful case against Ivor Jenkins came as a result of ongoing partnership work between Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Licensing officers and South Wales Police.
The agencies have joined forces, following demand from the public and those taxi drivers and operators who strive to work within the law, to tackle those who put lives at risk by operating illegally.
Jenkins, aged 47, of Penrhiwfer Road, Tonypandy was caught driving without the required licenses and insurance on two occasions as a result of joint enforcement operations.
As a result, he appeared before Rhondda Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, charged with two counts of using a vehicle without a Private Hire Vehicle License, two offences of not having a Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s License, two offences of not having a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s License and two counts of no insurance.
He admitted the offences and pleaded with the court not to disqualify him, due to his responsibilities as a carer for his ill mother and the needs of his son, who attends a school outside his local catchment area due to behavioural difficulties.
However, the court made the decision to fine him £100 for each of the two no vehicle licence offences, with a £200 fine for each of the no insurance offences and a 12-month disqualification. No further penalties were added for the no operator’s or driver’s license offences.
He was also ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge – a total of £715.
The case once again highlights the importance partner agencies place on ensuring those acting as taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and operators in Rhondda Cynon Taf are safe and legal – for the protection of not only their customers and the wider community, but also the legal operators.
Cllr John David, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Licensing, said: “Aside from the busy time of year we are now approaching, with people relying on taxis for their Christmas preparations and parties, taxis and private hire vehicles provide an important service all-the-year-round, especially for the vulnerable and isolated.
“The huge majority of operators work hard with us to ensure they remain within the law and fulfil their responsibilities. They maintain a close and professional relationship with licensing officers to ensure they operate lawfully and we cannot have their important trade damaged by those who think they are above the law.
“This particular case was as a direct result of the ongoing enforcement campaigns that Licensing and police officers carry out across the county on a regular basis.
“We will continue to work to check the standards of those acting on behalf of our communities and will take action where needed to protect the public.
“This case proves that and, once again, highlights why it is so important such operators and drivers take advantage of the free help, expertise and support that is on hand from our Licensing officers to ensure they offer a top-class service.”
Chief Inspector Richard Erskine, who heads Community Policing in Rhondda Cynon Taf on behalf of South Wales Police, added: “We are approaching a busy time of year as far as the taxi and private hire vehicle trade is concerned.
“People, many of whom may be vulnerable, will be relying on such vehicles to take them to and from festivities and also to the shops, doctors and so on.
“It is therefore vital these vehicles and those who drive them are legal and roadworthy, protecting not only customers but the wider community as well.
“We know from our ongoing engagement that the majority of taxi firms are law-abiding and responsible and they are as sick of “cowboy cabbies” as partner agencies are.
“We urge people to work with us to eradicate this issue. They can do this by reporting information they may have on illegal operations and seeking the advice and support they need to ensure they are legal.”
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Last revised on: 19/11/2008