Minibus operator fined by magistrates

A minibus operator pleaded guilty to the offence of 'flagging' and having no insurance, at Barnsley Magistrates Court on 12 November

Stephen Sharp, aged 31 of Snape Hill Road, Darfield, who operates a number of vehicles as White Horse Travel, and who has a restricted operator’s licence issued by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), appeared in court and pleaded guilty to 'flagging' – which is plying for hire. He also pleaded guilty to having no insurance for the journey.

During a late-night operation in Barnsley town centre, enforcement officers from Regulatory Services at the council approached his vehicle and asked to be taken to a local hotel. Mr Sharp directed the officers to an adjacent vehicle which then carried out the journey. Failing to have the vehicle licensed with the council, and not pre-booking the journey, resulted in the insurance for the vehicle being void.

Mr Sharp was ordered to pay a total of £589.40, received six points on his licence and was banned from driving for six months.

Cllr Charles Wraith, chairman of the General Regulatory Licensing Board, said: “It is totally unacceptable that a vehicle operator in Barnsley can operate in this manner and put the safety of his passengers at risk by working illegally.

“I would like to remind operators who work under restricted operator licences that it is illegal to ply for hire and they should make themselves fully aware of the conditions of their licence and operate in accordance with them."

Cllr Wraith thanked the enforcement staff for their hard work in securing the prosecution and members of the trade who continued to assist the council by providing information on illegal vehicles and drivers.

Anyone who has information or is concerned about possible illegal operators should contact Regulatory Services on (01226) 772468. 

ENDS