A TfL licensed private hire driver faces court after taking an illegal return journey booking from Devon

A London private hire vehicle (PHV) driver faces legal action after being caught taking an unauthorised return journey.

According to Avon and Somerset Police sources, the driver, who had originally transported passengers to Devon on a legitimate booking, offered his contact number for a return trip. This second journey was not pre-booked through an operator, prompting enforcement action.

Under UK law, PHV drivers must only accept fares that are pre-arranged through a licensed operator. This ensures that the journey is recorded, the driver and vehicle are vetted, and appropriate insurance is in place.

Directly accepting a fare without this arrangement, known as "plying for hire", is illegal for PHV drivers. Unlike black cabs, which can be hailed on the street, PHVs are restricted to pre-booked services only.