Taxi Driver Online

Interesting, and he got off pretty lightly considering the repeated offences and warnings, and particularly when compared with single plying for hire offences prosecuted by other councils (although not clear what's happened to his badge and plate).

Also interesting that the council managed to obtain evidence of his airport drop-off activities, presumably via ANPR records

Presumably they have powers to obtain that, but I wouldn't have guessed so offhand.

But PACE is mentioned (presumably the Police and Criminal Evidence Act governing things like evidence and interview procedures), so I suppose if they've got investigation and prosecution powers then they have specific powers to obtain evidence like that...

Maybe someone on here will know the nitty gritty


Unlicensed Taxi Driver Prosecuted

https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Newsroom/P ... cuted.aspx

An unlicensed taxi driver has been ordered to pay a £760 fine following a successful prosecution carried out by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Licensing and Enforcement Officers.

The Clydach Vale man was found operating an unlicensed vehicle as a Taxi and misleading the public by using a vehicle that appeared to be licensed when it was not.

Gareth Matthews, trading as Pickles Private Hire - a licensed private hire driver and operator of a single small vehicle, appeared before Merthyr Magistrates’ Court last month.

Mr. Matthews pleaded guilty to offences relating to the use of an unlicensed, larger ‘people carrier’ vehicle to undertake airport journeys. Although Mr. Matthews was licensed for a single small vehicle, he was found to be carrying passengers for money in the larger, privately owned vehicle that was not licensed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

The investigation began after officers received a complaint in 2023 alleging the use of an unlicensed vehicle. Despite being formally reminded of licensing requirements and warned of prosecution, subsequent complaints alleged Mr. Matthews continued to use an unlicensed minibus for commercial journeys, including airport transfers advertised on social media.

Licencing and Enforcement Officers requested information from both Cardiff and Bristol Airports and found that the vehicle in question had entered drop-off areas 47 times between 1st May and 14th July 2025.

During a PACE interview, Mr. Matthews admitted to a "small number" of trips but was unable to explain the extensive evidence of airport entries.

Merthyr Magistrates court handed Mr. Matthews a £760 FINE for his unscrupulous actions.

Councillor Robert Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

"This irresponsible and illegal behaviour will not be tolerated, as it jeopardizes public safety, puts people at risk through uninsured journeys and breaks trust and confidence in our responsible businesses.

“By using an unlicensed vehicle, this individual bypassed the rigorous safety checks and insurance requirements that are there to protect every passenger.

“Our licensing team works tirelessly to ensure that all taxis in Rhondda Cynon Taf meet the highest standards. When people use 'cowboy cabs,' they are putting their lives on the line. Hackney Carriage taxis licensed within Rhondda Cynon Taf are black in colour and are provided with a Council issued plate on the rear showing the maximum number of passengers and a door sign on each side of the front doors. Drivers who are licensed by the Council are also issued with a badge which they must show customers when asked.

“I would always say if in doubt, don’t get it and I’d encourage anyone with information on unlicensed taxi drivers or unlicensed vehicles operating in Rhondda Cynon Taf to contact the Council’s Licensing Team.”

If you are using a taxi in Rhondda Cynon Taf remember the following to keep you safe:

• Check the plates and send a photo to a friend so they know you’re travelling home safely,
• RCT Taxis are black in colour,
• Will have a Council issued plate on the back of the vehicle,
• A door sign on each side of its front doors,
• A badge – which MUST be shown when a customer asks.

To report an unlicensed taxi driver, please contact the licensing team by email licensing.section@rctcbc.gov.uk or on 01443 425001.

Can't believe the advice given to the public about hiring vehicles, though. I mean, two separate mentions of HCs, and a list of what to look for.

Yet absolutely no mention of private hire - it's as if it doesn't exist

And the terminology lurches from HC to the t-word without any proper attempt at explanation.

Maybe they don't have any PHVs there. Oh, wait, the piece actually says the offender has a private hire badge and plate, and is an operator

And traded as Pickles Private Hire

As a prosecuting authority, I would assume they have those powers.

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IDFIMH

I think the problem the council had is that the ANPR doesn't prove the offence, it just confirms the fella was present at the airport.

Now, the chap on the Clapham Omnibus may well ask why the driver was there if he wasn't acting unlawfully, but in my view, that in itself is not enough for a conviction.

In fact, given the little information in the article, if the driver had gone 'no comment', I doubt this would have reached the courts.

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IDFIMH

Well I must be the chap on the Dundee ominbus, because in view of the evidence I'd assume he's guilty as sin

I mean, the context of it all (his private hire business, advertising etc), the number of airport visits, the complaints etc, and that he couldn't explain why he'd been there. And presumably there was no disputing that he owned (or had access to) the minibus in question, ie the minibus caught via the ANPR thing

And even if he'd said no comment, I would think that would simply underline the fact that he couldn't explain all the visits.

Strong circumstantial evidence, innit

He doesn't have to explain anything; the council has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt everything.

And on the evidence we have in that article, IMO, if he had said SFA, they wouldn't have been able to meet that burden.

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IDFIMH