A driver, suspected of operating as an illegal taxi in Bargoed, has had his car seized as part of a crackdown by the authorities.
Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standings spent a Friday night recently targeting vehicles they suspected as being illegal taxis.
One vehicle was seized by police for having no insurance or road tax, and investigations are now ongoing to determine whether the vehicle was also acting as an unlicensed taxi.
The authorities have said that if the vehicle had been involved in an accident, its passengers would not have been protected under any insurance policy.
Officers are also investigating several other vehicles and drivers they suspect to be operating as illegal taxis.
PC Adam Lang, Gwent Police’s Night Time Economy Officer for Caerphilly, said: “The planning and preparation for this operation was extensive.
“We have previously visited motorists suspected of driving taxis illegally with Trading Standards officers to warn them of the illegal nature of what they are doing. The message clearly didn’t get through as our enquiries show numerous vehicles are acting in this manner across the borough.
“I hope these operations will now deter others from doing this in the future. The offender will now have to pay a minimum of £170 to return their seized vehicle as well as face court action where further penalties may be issued.
“I’d like to remind members of the public using illegal taxis to take a moment to consider what they are doing. The taxi trade go through rigorous checks, their vehicle also has to pass additional tests to a standard MOT before they are road legal. I understand that when people have had a good night and are under the influence of alcohol they maybe more likely to take the risk but please don’t – the consequences could be devastating.”
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, added: “Operating as an illegal taxi is a serious offence, and is one that potentially could put members of the public in very real danger.”
The joint operation happened on the night of Friday, February 26 and into the early hours of Saturday, February 27.
It came about after suspicions were raised by CCTV footage of passengers being picked up by cars in Bargoed town centre.
About time to. There was a silver Merc operating in Caerphilly town, the council were told on a number of occasions but nothing done.