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Airport transfer driver banned for TWO AND A HALF YEARS after carrying on private hire business despite council revoking his licence
A former Middlesbrough private hire driver has been disqualified from driving for 30 months after continuing to operate an unlicensed airport transfer business despite having his licence revoked in 2024.
Mark Bowler, 51, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 10 November following a joint investigation by Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough Council’s Licensing Section.
Bowler pleaded guilty to numerous offences connected with operating an unlicensed private hire business and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
The court imposed a 30-month driving disqualification and ordered him to pay fines and court costs totalling £796.
Bowler had previously held a private hire driver’s licence issued by Middlesbrough Council. However, the local authority revoked his licence in August 2024 following concerns about his conduct while working as a licensed private hire driver.
Despite losing his licence, Bowler continued trading under the business name MDB Executive Travel, providing private hire transport services with a particular focus on airport transfers.
His activities were subsequently identified by Cleveland Police, prompting an investigation carried out alongside licensing enforcement officers from Middlesbrough Council.
The case raises concerns about drivers continuing to accept commercial bookings after losing their private hire licensing approval, particularly where vehicles are being used for fare-paying journeys without appropriate insurance.
Private hire drivers must hold the necessary licences to undertake bookings legally. Operators must also hold the relevant private hire operator licence, while vehicles used for private hire work must be appropriately licensed and insured.
Bowler's conviction follows enforcement activity involving both police and council licensing officers, with the court imposing a driving ban extending for two and a half years.
Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, said: “Operating a private hire business without the necessary private hire operator, driver and vehicle licences and motor insurance is a serious risk to public safety.
“Bowler was clearly flouting the law, having previously had his private hire driver licence revoked and this is reflected in the decision by the court to disqualify him from driving for 30 months.
“I cannot emphasise enough to the public the importance of using licensed private hire companies and checking to see whether the vehicle and driver are licensed before they travel in any private hire vehicle.
“Private hire vehicles in Middlesbrough are required to display private hire licence plates and signage and all licensed private hire drivers are required to wear a private hire identification badge whilst carrying out bookings.”
