Preston taxi driver caught with seven disabled children - including a wheelchair user - in uninsured vehicle

A taxi driver licensed by Preston City Council has been 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.

Mr Harris 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.

Cabinet member for planning and development, which includes licensing, Councillor Alex Hilton, said: “This case shows why taxi and private hire licensing is so important.

“Licensing rules are there to protect passengers, and that protection is especially important when children and vulnerable people are being transported.

“The vast majority of licensed drivers and operators work hard to meet the standards required of them.

“Taking enforcement action where those standards are not met helps protect the public and supports those responsible businesses that operate legally and safely.

“We will continue to work with our partners to make sure vehicles carrying passengers in Chorley are properly licensed, insured and safe.

“Our licensing team carries out checks and takes enforcement action where necessary to ensure taxi and private hire services operating in the borough meet the standards required by law.”