A Sefton-licensed private hire driver has been banned for six months and ordered to pay £430 in fines and costs. Liverpool City Council enforcement officers caught the driver in March illegally plying for hire, without insurance, and carrying excessive passengers.
The court appearance
Liverpool City Council Licensing said: "A Sefton licensed private hire driver was caught by LCC Enforcement Officers in March, illegally plying for hire without insurance while carrying excessive passengers. Following a court appearance, the driver received a 6 month ban and was ordered to pay £430 in fines and costs."
The booking rule
Private hire passengers have to be booked in advance through a licensed operator. A driver cannot take someone who hails the vehicle in the street. That is plying for hire, and only a hackney carriage may do it.