Private hire drivers caught in new police sting operation

Private hire drivers caught in new police sting operation


http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Private-hire-drivers-caught-in.3615166.jp

Seven private hire drivers have been seen allegedly picking up passengers who had not pre-booked their journeys by council officers and police in a sting operation on Monday.
They will appear at Northampton Magistrates' Court in February charged with driving without insurance and illegally plying for trade. If found guilty they could each face a fine of £7,500 and having eight points put on their driving licence.

This is the third such sting to take place in as many months, taking the total number of drivers involved to 24.

Councillor Brian Hoare (Lib Dem, Abington), the Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for performance said: "The safety and protection of the public is paramount, and we want people to get home safely in the festive season.

"I would advise people to either book a private hire vehicle through a company or use one of the town's many black cabs which do not need to be pre-booked."

Pc Dave Bryan, the Northamptonshire Police licensing officer in Northampton, said: "Flagging in Northampton has been identified as an issue and we will always look to assist the borough council and other agencies in dealing with this matter to ensure public safety."

"I would advise people to either book a private hire vehicle through a company or use one of the town's many black cabs which do not need to be pre-booked."

Good advice, never heard it before, I wonder if it'll make any difference