A taxi driver in Stevenage has been punished for operating without a proper licence and insurance.

Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) took legal action against Paul Notley after he was found to be driving a taxi without an appropriate driving licence or insurance.

At a hearing in Stevenage Magistrates' Court on September 8, Notley pleaded guilty to all 12 charges brought against him. They included charges for driving a private hire vehicle without a licence, and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

He has accumulated 36 points on his licence, resulting in an automatic six month disqualification. Notley has also been fined £1,680 and ordered to pay costs of £2,345.

The court heard of Notley “conveying vulnerable passengers over a prolonged period of time”.

Operating a taxi without proper documentation is illegal, and invalidates any existing insurance.

Cllr Claire Parris, chair of SBC's licensing committee, said:  "It’s essential that we lead by example and ensure that any wrongdoing within our taxi services is recognised and reprimanded.

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"All our licensed drivers abide by these rules and Mr Notley was fully aware of the consequences of what he was doing.

“This case only contained a small specimen sample of the number of charges that could have been applied for.

"It was deeply concerning to learn that someone who had responsibility for vulnerable people, undertaking SEND School transport and hospital trips would allow this to happen."

SBC is responsible for the licensing of private hire vehicles and drivers in Stevenage.