24 February 2020

Taxi Company Owner Fined For Hiring An Unlicensed Driver

A taxi company owner based in Wakefield has received a large fine, as well as disqualification from driving for 6 months.

Debra Tingey, owner of Tingeys Taxis, pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates’ Court of operating a vehicle with an unlicensed driver. She also pleaded guilty to allowing the use of an unlicensed vehicle with no insurance.

The unlicensed driver, named Keith Walker, was spotted driving a private hire car in South Elmsall. He was also seen picking up passengers from Kinsley, and driving them to South Kirby.

As Mrs Tingey gave a guilty plea, the magistrates have given her credit. She was fined £460 for both offences and was disqualified from driving for 6 months. She was also given a victim surcharge of £46, and legal costs of £685.65.

Walker has also pleaded guilty by post, and will be sentenced later in the month.

Councillor Maureen Cummings said, “Mrs Tingey holds a position of responsibility within the company, and the behaviour involved breaches public safety by allowing Mr Walker, an unlicensed and uninsured driver, to operate within the business.”

“Our priority, as a council, is to keep the public safe, and this case should send out a firm message to everyone that this behaviour will never be tolerated.”

The local authority’s licensing committee are now deciding whether or not to revoke the company’s operator licence.