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.

 

“Judge Holding Gavel” by Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Singer, used under CC BY 2.0 / Modified from original