A PRIVATE hire driver who illegally picked up passengers was allowed to keep his driving licence after telling magistrates his livelihood was a stake.
George Barlow, aged 48, was one of a number of private hire drivers summonsed to court following a Trading Standards “sting” in December.
The court heard that special constables in plain clothes got into taxis in the Nelson Square area as part of the operation.
Private hire vehicles are not allowed to pick up passengers unless they have been pre-booked. If they do it invalidates their insurance.
Bolton Magistrates’ Court heard that Barlow, of Cherry Tree Avenue, Farnworth, picked up the officers at 8pm on December 18 last year and took them to a pub in Blackburn Road.
The officers paid the fare and also made a note of the registration number.
The court heard that Barlow has been a taxi driver for 17 years and would lose his job if he did not have a licence.
Yesterday he pleaded guilty to plying for hire when he was not licensed as a public hackney carriage and had no insurance to cover that use.
He already had seven points on his licence, and magistrates gave him another seven.
Receiving a total of 12 points or more usually results in a ban, but magistrates decided against a ban, given his circumstances.
In an exceptional hardship plea to the court, Barlow said: “I need my licence because it is my living.
It’s a job I like doing and I have got many customers.
I will lose my job without a licence.
“This was out of character.
I have been a silly lad and made a mistake. I never want this to happen again. Coming here is an embarrassment.”
He was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £1,180.
Dilshad Mehmub, aged 24, of Vincent Street, Bolton, also appeared before the court yesterday.
At 12.20am on December 19, officers asked the defendant to take them to the Last Drop Village in Bromley Cross.
The journey was paid for and his registration details were noted.
Mehmub pleaded guilty to plying for hire when he was not licensed as a public hackney carriage and had no insurance to cover that use.
The court heard he was banned from driving in January for six months and no longer works as a taxi driver.
He is currently looking for a job after completing an accounting and business course.
He was ordered to pay a total of £940 and had seven points put on his licence.
Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council Executive member for housing, licensing and regulations, said: “Private hire drivers need to be aware that this is not allowed under regulations and our enforcement officers will be continuing to monitor the situation.
“The majority obey the rules but we will catch those who flout them.”