Private hire driver Stephen Kelly, 57, of Liverpool Road, Widnes, was handed a 12-month Conditional Discharge this week following an investigation and successful prosecution by Halton Borough Council’s Licensing Department.
He was also ordered to pay £500 of the Council’s costs plus a £26 surcharge.
On Wednesday (April 10) Warrington Magistrates Court heard how, during the Creamfields Festival in August 2023, Mr Kelly repeatedly touted his vehicle for hire and did not have an Operator’s Licence in place.
The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of touting for hire car services and two counts of acting as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) without an Operator’s Licence.
A Council spokesperson said: “Illegally touting for hire not only violates the law but also puts the safety of passengers and other road users at risk. A Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) which is not pre-booked is not insured.
“One of the aims of the touting legislation is to secure the safety of passengers in Private Hire Vehicles (PHV).
“Where licensed drivers are not adhering to the rules and risk endangering the public, the Council will take action.
“The Council would like to acknowledge the co-operation of the witnesses in this case which enabled the Taxi Licensing Enforcement Officer to fully investigate and resolve the matter.”