Across South Yorkshire, taxi operators and passengers have been warned of the danger of using unlicensed taxis after a local taxi firm owner was fined £1,250 and disqualified from driving.
Following complaints from the public, council officials launched an inquiry into the operation of Elite Taxis, based in Wellington St, Barnsley. The result of the inquiry has led to the prosecution of Elite Taxis’ former taxi operator, Simon Woodcock.
Charged with five offences, Woodcock, 40, of Arundel Gardens, Royston, has been convicted of using unlicensed vehicles and drivers and allowing uninsured vehicles to be driven in his fleet.
Woodcock was found to have authorised an unlicensed vehicle and driver to work for his company for private hire work without the appropriate licences, invalidating his insurance.
Pleading guilty to all offences earlier this month, Woodcock was fined £1,250 at Barnsley Magistrates Court. He received six points on his licence and was also disqualified from driving for six months.
Councillor Charles Wraith, chairman of the licensing board, told the Yorkshire Post: “I’m extremely concerned that a private hire operator in Barnsley would systematically and wilfully ignore the licensing regime and put his customers at risk by using unlicensed drivers and vehicles.
“All licensed vehicles are subjected to regular safety checks by the council’s own vehicle examiners and licensed drivers are thoroughly checked and vetted to ensure that they are fit and proper to transport members of the public in a safe manner.”