Private hire firm handed 48-hour suspension after allowing unlicensed vehicles to operate

Grimsby private hire taxi company, Fon-a-Car, has been handed a 48-hour suspension for allowing private hire vehicles to operate without a licence.

The suspension was issued by the Council’s Hackney Carriage Sub-Committee in September 2020 but went to Grimsby Magistrates' Court in March 2021 following appeal, where the decision was upheld.

The suspension was issued after it was revealed that the operator had allowed private hire vehicles without a current licence to continue to run.

Following an appeal by the operator, Magistrates agreed with the Sub-Committee decision and the 48-hour suspension was upheld.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Taxi drivers are incredibly important to our local transport network, with people of all ages relying on private hire taxi’s to get them to and from various appointments.

“Before getting a licence, vehicles go through thorough checks to make sure that they are safe and roadworthy. There are significant public safety concerns around using unlicensed taxis.

“It is right that anyone who ignores these rules receives an appropriate penalty.”