21 July 2004
ILLEGAL TAXI DRIVER BANNED FOR 2 YEARS AND FINED £1500
A taxi driver was fined a total of £1500 and received a two year driving ban at Belfast Magistrates Courthouse on 20 July 2004 for offences relating to operating an illegal taxi.
Mr Gerard McKenna of 15 Benares Street, Belfast, pleaded guilty to three offences of operating a taxi without being the holder of a taxi driver’s licence, having no Public Service Vehicle licence or no insurance for the vehicle contrary to the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981.
On the evening of 12 June 2003 Mr McKenna was observed by officers from the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Taxi Enforcement Team operating his Vauxhall Astra motor car as a taxi in the vicinity of Odyssey Arena. A short time later his car was stopped by police and during an inspection a concealed operational two-way taxi radio was discovered.
A DOE Spokesperson said: "This case highlights the need for the public to exercise caution when using taxis. Northern Ireland taxi drivers are required to wear a taxi driver’s identity badge, conspicuously on their person whilst on duty and their vehicle must be appropriately licensed. If a passenger fails to ensure that a vehicle and driver are properly licensed they are compromising their own safety and well-being.
"Combating this type of illegal activity will remain the focus of the Agency’s Taxi Enforcement Team. This illegal activity not only impacts on the livelihood of every legitimate taxi operator in Northern Ireland but represents a serious compromise of road safety, and puts the safety and well-being of passengers at risk."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The DVTA is happy to provide free advice and guidance on all aspects of Taxi Enforcement and Testing requirements on 028 90254101.
Further news media information from DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014,
press.office@doeni.gov.uk
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