A TREFEGLWYS man has been prosecuted by the county council for driving a private hire vehicle without the necessary licences.

Kim Wheatley appeared before Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 31 January, in a prosecution led by Powys County Council’s Licensing Team.

Magistrates heard that Mr Wheatley was found to be transporting passengers for payment without the necessary licences of a private hire driver or vehicle licence.

Mr Wheatley pleaded guilty to charges under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and was ordered to pay £580 in fines and costs.

Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson, Cabinet member for licensing, said: “It is the duty of all taxi drivers to ensure that they, along with their vehicles, are licensed to transport passengers.

“These licences are required to ensure that the vehicles being used are safe and fit for purpose and from a safeguarding perspective that the drivers employed are also safe and fit for purpose.

“In the majority of cases a vehicle will also not be insured during any journey undertaken by an unlicensed driver and for this reason our officers work proactively to stamp out this practice and keep our residents safe.

"The purpose of licensing the taxi trade is to ensure the safety of the public by ensuring that drivers are fit and proper and that the vehicles they drive are safe, suitable and reliable.

“This case should act as a warning to the trade that if they fail to obtain the necessary licences for their vehicles and drivers the council will take the appropriate action. Our licensing officers will continue to make sure that vehicles and their drivers comply with the important safeguards.”

If businesses or members of the public want information or have any concerns about taxi licensing, contact the licensing service on 0845 6027037 or email [email protected]