Little Massingham man Kevin Turner had unlicensed taxi service uncovered by covert investigation

A covert operation has resulted in the prosecution of an unlicensed taxi driver, who has been fined more than £2,000.

West Norfolk Council officers had received information that Kevin Turner, 62, from Little Massingham, was operating an unlicensed private hire service in the Massingham area.

They booked journeys with him and he drove them in his vehicle, not knowing they were council officers.

He was subsequently interviewed under caution, when he admitted a range of offences under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and failure to properly insure his vehicle.

The borough council’s cabinet member for licensing, Cllr Jim Moriarty, said: “Licensing of drivers exists to keep the public safe.

“Drivers are subject to medical and background checks and their vehicles are tested to council standards which are stricter than a standard MOT.

“Unlicensed drivers bypass all this and present a danger to the public. No one has checked that they have the correct insurance or that they are a fit and proper person. It’s also unfair to those drivers who have gone through the licensing process.

“As the public would expect, we take our responsibilities to keep people safe very seriously. Where we become aware of people operating unlicensed taxis we will investigate and, if we find evidence of an offence, we will not hesitate to prosecute.”

Turner did not attend his hearing at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on October 9, but he was found guilty on all charges.

The court fined him £1,100 for the offences and imposed costs and victim surcharges of £1,040. Eight penalty points were added to his driving licence.