Rotherham taxi operator charged £1,350 by court over unlicensed driver

A TAXI operator has been given a court bill of more than £1,350 after allowing an unlicensed driver and vehicle to be used for hundreds of bookings.

Karamat Hussain, of Fast 4s, was prosecuted by Rotherham Council for letting a driver use a silver Ford Transit for 606 bookings between February 1 and March 28.

An investigation by the council found that neither the driver nor the Ford Transit were licensed.

Hussain (68), of Gerard Road, Moorgate, admitted at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on October 8 to allowing an unlicensed driver and vehicle to be used.

He also admitted that the required safeguarding checks and mechanical vehicle checks were not made, a council spokesman said.

He was ordered to pay £307 costs, a penalty charge of £1000 and a victim surcharge of £50.

Cllr Sue Ellis, Chair of Rotherham Council’s licensing committee, said: “The council is committed to ensuring a professional service is provided in Rotherham’s taxi industry and this prosecution sends out a clear message that anyone caught flouting the rules will face the consequences.

“The large number of journeys and the significant risk to members of the public, including vulnerable people, were brought to light following a thorough investigation by the council’s licencing team.

“We encourage people to complain to us if they have any concerns regarding their journey in a Rotherham taxi.

“We want people to report any issues so that we can take action to ensure everyone has a safe journey in the future.”

The council said its taxi policy set a standard that was amongst the highest in the country following a fundamental review of its policies over the last four years.

report concerns regarding a taxi in Rotherham.