An unlicensed and uninsured bogus taxi driver has been handed a £500 fine and a one-month driving ban after being caught be Trading Standards.
Clifford Brian Burton, from Penpedairheol, was taken to court by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards after a string of complaints from residents. He was operating as Cascade Cabs.
Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court heard Trading Standards began an investigation and carried out a test purchase on August 12, 2010 where Burton was caught picking up a fare at Pengam Train Station.
When approached by Trading Standards Officers, Burton gave a false identity and claimed he was a licensed driver. When questioned, Burton admitted he was not the person he claimed to be and also admitted to using the vehicle on other occasions.
Burton appeared at Caerphilly Magistrates Court on April 8, where he was found guilty of offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. He was ordered to pay a £500 fine and a £15 victim surcharge.
While the vehicle in question was licensed as a Hackney Carriage by Burton, he himself was not a driver licensed by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The car was insured in the name of Burton’s wife and another person. Burton was not listed on the insurance and as a result, any passengers in the vehicle were not covered in the event of an accident.
He also received a one-month driving ban for being uninsured.
Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet member for public protection said: “The safety of our residents in using taxis is of paramount importance to us, and fortunately we experience very few instances of unlicensed taxi operators in our county borough.
“Burton was potentially putting his passengers at risk by transporting them without authorisation, and I would encourage anyone with any information on unlicensed taxi operators in Caerphilly county borough to contact us.”