Driver shame as FOUR Bristol private hire drivers busted for failing to provide accurate driver details after speeding raps
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Four private hire drivers operating in Bristol have been prosecuted after failing to provide accurate driver information linked to separate speeding offences earlier this year, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
PC Patrick Quinton, who leads taxi enforcement for the force, said each case involved a private hire driver initially nominating another person as being behind the wheel. When challenged, all four later admitted they were the driver but had not supplied the information within the legal timeframe required under traffic legislation. All were subsequently convicted of failing to furnish driver details.
The first case involved a speeding offence on the M4 in January 2025. The 44 year-old driver was found guilty on 19 November. Sentencing has been listed for 16 December, with a driving disqualification being considered. Police said the minicab driver’s late admission triggered the failure to furnish prosecution alongside the original speeding matter.
In a second case, Bath Magistrates found a 39-year-old guilty on 14 November after a February speeding offence within Bristol. He was handed six DVLA points, a £350 fine and ordered to pay £270 in costs.
Avon and Somerset Police warn licensing holders that delays and false nominations risk both council and driving licences
The third case concerned a 53-year-old man, who was found guilty by Bath Magistrates on 28 November for failing to provide the required information relating to a February 2025 speeding offence. His case has been adjourned until 13 August 2026 for consideration of a driving disqualification.
The final conviction involved a 55-year-old licensed PHV driver. He was found guilty by Bath Magistrates on 4 December regarding a March 2025 speeding offence. He received six DVLA points, a £666 fine and £376 in costs.
PC Quinton said officers continued to see drivers risking both their council-issued licences and their driving privileges by delaying or providing incorrect information. He noted that investigations of this nature diverted police resources away from other taxi-related compliance work that supports the wider trade.
He urged licensing holders to respond promptly and truthfully when police issue a statutory request for driver details linked to a suspected offence. Failure to comply is treated as a standalone offence that can lead to penalties more severe than those attached to the original traffic incident.
PC Patrick Quinton, Taxi Cop for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “I've been warning drivers for a long time not to lie about who was driving at the time of a traffic offence, and to not ignore requirements to provide driver details. Unfortunately, the following four drivers didn't listen to that advice.
“It's frustrating that my colleagues and I have to spend time on these investigations when we could be giving more help to other drivers.
“Please don't lie, and don't delay in saying who the driver is at the time of a suspected offence. You could end up losing your Council licence AND your driving licence!”
