DISQUALIFIED: Private hire driver banned from driving after ‘Taxi Cop’ discovery
A private hire driver has been disqualified from driving following a court hearing at Bath Magistrates’ Court. The driver, who already had nine penalty points for speeding, faced additional charges related to vehicle safety.
The charges were brought after a joint operation conducted by Avon and Somerset Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and local Licensing authorities.
During the inspection, officers found two tyres on the vehicle below the legal tread limit, noted the absence of a rear PH plate, and observed that the driver was not wearing their badge.
With these breaches on top of previous infractions, PC Patrick Quinton, known as the ‘Taxi Cop’, said he had no choice but to escalate the case to the courts.
The driver was convicted and received a six-month disqualification from driving. The court imposed a £492 fine, £544 in costs, and added six penalty points to the driver’s record.
PC Quinton commented that the Licensing Authority will now determine what further actions, if any, they will take regarding the driver’s private hire licence.
In a final word to colleagues, PC Quinton added: “Have a safe shift - and if you haven't checked your tyres today then make sure you do!”
