Richmondshire taxi driver ordered to pay £882 for picking up fare outside of his licensed area

A crackdown on unlicensed taxi drivers operating in Hambleton has resulted in a fine for a Richmondshire based driver.

Andrew Peverell, a taxi driver licensed by Richmondshire District Council, has been prosecuted by Hambleton District Council for taking fare paying passengers in its district.

Hambleton District Council has issued warnings that action will be taken against unlicensed taxis operating in the Northallerton area, particularly late at night on weekends.

In the early hours of 14 April this year, Mr Peverell took five passengers from Northallerton High Street to Thornton-Le-Moor despite not having a licence to undertake the fare.

He was convicted at Harrogate Magistrates Court this month (December) and ordered to pay a total of £882 in fines and costs after pleading guilty to the offence.

Councillor Ron Kirk, the Chairman of Hambleton District Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “The primary purpose of the licensing regime is to protect the public.

“All drivers and vehicles licensed by us are subject to extensive testing in order to ensure the safety of the travelling public.

“The Council is committed to taking appropriate action against anyone found to be flouting the law. Our officers will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that any unlicensed drivers are subject to appropriate enforcement action.”

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