A taxi driver has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 after he transported children to school on five separate occasions despite not having the correct licence to do so.
Details of the Offence
David Rhydian Thomas, of Windy Corner Coaches in Carmarthenshire, took pupils to school in a licensed private hire vehicle between October 1 and October 8 last year. However, he did not hold the required Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Dual Driver’s Licence.
Previous Warning Ignored
Thomas had previously received a formal warning in October 2024 about driving a licensed vehicle whilst unlicensed. Despite this, further offences were committed.
Penalty and Court Outcome
After pleading guilty by post, Thomas was fined £666, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £266, and made to pay costs of £1,762 - a total outlay of £2,694.
Council Statement
Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for enforcement, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “The safety of children and the wider public is our absolute priority.
"Licensed drivers are required to meet strict standards designed to protect passengers, particularly when transporting school children."
"This case sends a clear message that we take breaches of licensing regulations very seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary."
