An Avon and Somerset private hire driver already on 12 DVLA points faces magistrates after police found an illegal tyre while he was heading to collect a passenger.
PC Patrick Quinton said road checks stopped a locally licensed PHV with tread under the 1.6mm legal minimum and the driver not wearing or displaying required badges. The council already knew about the 12 points. Quinton noted exceptional-hardship arguments against a totting-up ban can usually be used only once, so he expects disqualification after this case. The court will set any points or ban; the licensing authority may also review fitness. Three more points for a tyre offence would normally push past the usual ban threshold.