BIG FINE: Woman pleads guilty to driving licensed taxi whilst not holding a taxi driver’s licence

A woman has pleaded guilty to driving a hackney carriage vehicle without the required council issued taxi driver’s licence. 

On Thursday 29 February 2024 at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, Ms Kathryn Murphy, Torfaen, pleaded guilty after she was discovered driving a hackney carriage vehicle on 16 June 2023, without a taxi driver’s licence. 

Ms Murphy was fined £660 and ordered to pay the council’s costs of £847.26, and a £264 victim surcharge amounting to a total of £1,771.26. The prosecution followed an investigation by Torfaen Council’s Licensing Team. 

Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for Environment, said: “The safety of our residents when using taxis is a top priority.

“Licensed drivers and vehicles go through rigorous checks to ensure they meet standards in place to protect the needs and safety of the public. 

“Licensed taxis are provided with a council issued plate on the rear and door signs on each side. These are yellow for hackney carriage vehicles and green for private hire vehicles. Drivers who are licensed by the council are also issued with a badge.

“I would encourage anyone with information on unlicensed taxi drivers or unlicensed vehicles operating in Torfaen, to contact the council’s Licensing Team.”