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Unlicensed driver ordered to pay over £2,700 after carrying children on Carmarthenshire school run
A man has been ordered to pay £2,702.50 after being convicted of driving a licensed private hire vehicle without the required dual driver’s licence.
Derrick Lewis was convicted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 4 September 2026 after carrying children on a school run in a licensed private hire vehicle without holding a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Dual Driver’s Licence.
The offence took place on 9 February 2026. It was detected during compliance checks at Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli by officers from Carmarthenshire County Council’s Licensing and School Transport teams.
Officers found that Lewis was driving the licensed private hire vehicle but did not hold the licence required to do so.
Lewis did not attend court. The case was proved in his absence.
Magistrates fined him £660 and ordered him to pay £1,778.50 in prosecution costs, along with a £264 victim surcharge. The total of £2,702.50 is payable within 28 days.
The conviction followed an investigation by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Licensing Service.
Carmarthenshire County Cabinet Member with responsibility for enforcement, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils travelling to and from school is of paramount importance. Licensed drivers are required to meet strict standards and undergo the necessary checks to ensure they are suitable to transport members of the public, including children.
“This prosecution demonstrates the Council's commitment to enforcing licensing legislation and taking appropriate action where individuals operate outside the law. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure school transport services remain safe, reliable and compliant."
