A minicab firm was fined £1,800 after being caught out for running an unlicensed taxi on three occasions.

Susan Burrows, a licensed private hire operator trading as Home James, pleaded guilty to six counts of failing to keep proper records of bookings, and three counts of running an unlicensed cab.

Licensing authority Reigate and Banstead Council, launched the prosecution following an investigation at the company's premises in Nork Way, Banstead.

The case was heard by Redhill Magistrates Court on January 6, and the offences took place last summer.

Mrs Burrows, 54, of Dunnymans Road, Banstead was fined up to £900 per offence, and ordered to pay £900 court costs to the Council.

In a related case, Home James driver Terry Brewer, 46, of Langley Park Road, Sutton pleaded guilty to using an unlicensed cab to pick up passengers and was ordered to pay £100 fine and £100 costs.

Councillor Philip Circus, portfolio holder for Environmental Services, said: "As the licensing authority we have a duty to ensure that cab companies follow licensing regulations to the letter, for reasons of public safety.

"If we suspect that is not happening we will investigate rigorously and we will prosecute if we find fault. I hope this case acts as a firm reminder to other cab companies of the importance of obeying licensing regulations."

January 28, 2003 10:00