FINED: Private hire driver found guilty of plying-for-hire after Taxi Cop tip-off
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 13
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 17
A private hire vehicle driver was fined for plying-for-hire as part of a local enforcement operation in the south-west.
In December 2024, PC Patrick Quinton, known as the ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, stopped and checked a private hire vehicle after reports from fellow drivers.
He discovered the driver was illegally plying-for-hire. Further checks revealed the vehicle was uninsured, and the driver had failed to display both the required plates and driver badge.
At the Magistrates’ Court, the driver pleaded guilty to all four offences. The court imposed eight DVLA penalty points and a total of £666 in fines and costs.
It remains unclear what further action might be taken by the relevant Licensing Authority.
PC Quinton said: “In December I stopped and checked a PHV which had been reported to me by other drivers as illegally picking up passengers. As a result I found the driver illegally plying for hire and he was charged with this offence together with no insurance, failing to display plates and failing to display badge.
“At Magistrates Court, for all four offences he was sentenced to 8 DVLA points and £666 of fines and costs.
“It is not yet clear what further action his Licensing Authority might take.”
