Exeter mini-cab drivers prosecuted
Three private hire vehicle drivers in Exeter have been prosecuted for illegally picking up fares on the street.
The prosecutions follow a joint operation by Exeter City Council, the Police and Vector Transport Consultancy on 22 October 2016.
By law, private hire vehicles – unlike taxis (hackney carriages) – can only transport customers if the trip is booked in advance. Only hackney carriages can pick up fares on the street.
The operation followed a number of complaints from Exeter’s Hackney Carriage trade about illegal plying of trade in the city.
On Monday 10 April at Exeter Magistrates Court, the following drivers were found guilty of illegally plying for trade:
- Kevin Osborne, of Thornpark Rise, Exeter, was fined £240 (following a 1/3 reduction for an early plea), a £30 victim surcharge, and a costs order of £500, totalling £770
- Robert Izzard, of Exwick Road, Exeter, was fined £255 (following a 1/3 reduction for an early plea), a £30 victim surcharge, and a costs order of £500, totalling £745
- Sakhi Ramazani, of Redhills, Exeter, was fined £250 (following a 1/3 reduction for an early plea), a £30 victim surcharge, and a costs order of £500, totalling £780
Vector Transport Consultancy were employed by the City Council as a private contractor to assist with the operation. They provided two members of staff who attempted to hail the private hire vehicles from locations in the city centre and ask to be taken to the Coaver Club in Topsham Road. Once the vehicles arrived at the Coaver Club they were intercepted by licensing officers and the Police.
Taxis or Hackney Carriages are easily identifiable due to their distinctive black and red colour scheme, taxi roof lights, and City Crests on the front doors. Hackney carriages pay more for their vehicle licences, and have a more prescriptive vehicle standard than private hire vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle insurance for private hire vehicles may not cover the passenger in the event of an accident if the journey has not been pre-booked.
