Spelthorne Borough Council secured the conviction of Mr. Harpal Singh Chopra at Staines Magistrates’ Court on 9 February 2011, following an investigation by its Licensing Section.
Mr. Chopra pleaded guilty to three charges. He was caught on 24 June 2010 acting as a private hire driver without the appropriate private hire driver licence and received a £250 fine. He was also caught using a vehicle as a private hire vehicle without the required vehicle licence and received a further £250 fine. The final charge related to his use of the vehicle without holding suitable insurance cover for the carrying out of private hire work and he received a £350 fine and six penalty points on his driving licence.
Mr Chopra was also ordered to pay £297.50 in prosecution costs to the Council and now has a criminal record.
Councillor Robin Sider, Chairman of the Licensing Committee said, “The Council will not hesitate to prosecute those who carry out taxi or private hire work without having the required driver and vehicle licenses or suitable insurance. Mr. Chopra now has to pay over £1000 and has received six penalty points. It is hoped that this serves as a warning to others.”
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