Crime Solicitors

Uttlesford District Council has successfully prosecuted two drivers for illegally operating as a private hire vehicle without a licence at Stansted Airport.

Andrzej Bernacki of Carlton Road in London and Yusuf Dur of Morning Lane in London were both stopped in separate incidents by council enforcement officers taking part in a multi-agency initiative on 12 May.

Mr Bernacki admitted he had been carrying out airport runs since entering the UK 19 months earlier.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court charged with the offences of not having a private hire driver's licence, not having a private hire vehicle licence, not having a private hire operator's licence – and taking fee-paying passengers.

Bernacki pleaded guilty and was fined £100 for each offence. He was also ordered to pay £399 in costs, a £20 victim surcharge, and a £150 court charge.

Mr Dur was stopped later the same day while driving a Transport for London private hire vehicle, despite not having a private hire driver's licence.

He pleaded not guilty initially, but changed his plea to guilty when the case went to trial.

Dur was fined £126 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, a court charge of £150 and costs of £504.

Uttlesford Council’s Lead Member for Enforcement, Councillor Derek Jones,
said:

“This is another excellent response from our enforcement team – and will serve to drive home the message that taxi drivers operating illegally within our district will not get away with it.

“There is no excuse for breaking the law – and proper licensing ensures the safety and security of passengers.”

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors – Motoring Offences

Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors can advise private motorists and commercial drivers at any stage of a motoring offence or investigation into a motoring offence – including charges relating to DUI, driving without a licence, driving uninsured, speeding offences, careless, reckless or dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving, road rage, vehicle maintenance offences or vehicle theft.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.