Public safety is our primary concern - Preston City Council issues statement after taxi driver struck off
He was convicted of driving an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle.
A spokesperson for Preston City Council has issued a statement after a taxi driver licensed by the council was prosecuted after an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle was found transporting seven severely disabled children.
In joint operation between South Ribble Council and Lancashire County Council a silver Renault Master was found to be carrying the seven children, including one youngster in a wheelchair, and a passenger assistant.
The vehicle was being used for school transport but was not licensed as a private hire vehicle when it was stopped.
The driver claimed the vehicle was being used temporarily while another was unavailable.
However, an inquiry later discovered the Renault was not licensed when the journey took place and that meant the insurance cover was invalidated because it was being operated as a private hire vehicle without the correct licence.
At Preston Magistrates’ Court, Warren Jeremy Harris, of Birkett Place, Preston, pleaded guilty to and was convicted of three offences: driving an unlicensed vehicle, operating an unlicensed vehicle, and driving without insurance.
He received credit for his guilty plea and had six points endorsed on his driving licence. He was also ordered to pay fines and council costs totalling around £350.
No longer licensed to operate
A Preston City Council spokesperson said that public safety was their primary concern and that that Mr Harris was no longer licensed to operate.
They said: “Public safety is our primary concern as a Licensing Authority, particularly where licensed taxi drivers are responsible for transporting children and vulnerable adults.
“Following this conviction, the driver’s Preston City Council taxi licence has been revoked, and they are no longer licensed to operate by the authority.”