Cheltenham operator must pay costs and fine totalling over £3,000 after providing private hire bookings without required licence
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Cheltenham private hire operator has been handed fines and costs totalling over £3,000 after continuing to take bookings without a valid operator’s licence.
On 27 October 2025, Mr Victor Whitham pleaded guilty at court to operating a private hire business without the required licence. The offence followed the suspension of Spa-Tax Cheltenham’s private hire operator licence in October 2024 due to non-payment of fees.
Despite the suspension, Cheltenham Borough Council’s (CBC) licensing officers found that Whitham continued to dispatch Cheltenham licensed private hire vehicles. Although he held an operator’s licence with Tewkesbury Borough Council, this licence did not permit the use of Cheltenham-licensed vehicles or drivers.
The magistrates imposed the maximum fine available of £1,000. Whitham was also ordered to pay a £400 victim surcharge and £1,706.40 in costs, bringing the total to £3,106.40.
Cheltenham Borough Council confirmed that its licensing enforcement team led the investigation, with legal support provided by One Legal, a shared legal service for Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.
Officers said they had continued to monitor the operator after the suspension was issued to ensure compliance with local licensing laws.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities said: “Cheltenham Borough Council is committed to ensuring the safety and legality of taxi and private hire services in our community.
“This successful prosecution sends a very clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activity in our town and will take decisive action to protect Cheltenham residents and our visitors.
“I would like to thank our Licensing team and One Legal for their diligent work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
