A Wealden man has been caught for a second time providing minicab services without a valid private hire driver’s licence.
Keith Martin Leigh, 67, of Wadhurst, was fined £1,650 in November 2018 after pleading guilty to operating an unlicensed ‘taxi’ service.
He was caught this time providing fee-paying lifts for wedding guests without a valid private hire driver's licence in June 2019.
In addition, Mr Leigh’s vehicle did not have a valid licence and was not covered by motor insurance for private hire use.
At an earlier hearing, he pleaded guilty to offences related to accepting and performing hirings on or around 8 June 2019 without a valid private hire driver’s licence, vehicle licence or operator licence, and not having valid motor insurance cover for private hire use.
On 20 January 2020, Hastings Magistrates fined Mr Leigh in his absence a total of £2,150 and he was given a 12-month driving disqualification. Wealden District Council was awarded £744 costs.
“Mr Leigh clearly believed he could carry on giving lifts to paying customers without following the rules which protect members of the public,” said Councillor Nigel Coltman, Chairman of Wealden’s Licensing Committee.
He went on to add: “He was wrong and it has cost him dearly. Taxis are licensed for a reason. Private hire drivers are required to pass regular medical and criminal checks, charge authorised fares and use vehicles which are fully insured and have been given a six monthly mechanical inspection.
“We are determined to make sure these sensible provisions are not flouted.”
Image credit: Pixabay
