A taxi driver in Carmarthenshire has been ordered to pay nearly £3,000 after he drove children to school without holding the correct licence.
Derrick Lewis, 56, of Ty Stafford, Llanelli, took pupils on a school run in his Volkswagen taxi on February 9 this year despite not having the required hackney carriage and private hire dual driver's licence.
The offence came to light when officers from Carmarthenshire council’s licensing and school transport teams carried out compliance checks at Ysgol Heol Goffa in Llanelli. During the checks, they found that Lewis was not licensed to drive the taxi.
Court conviction and fine
Lewis was convicted at Llanelli Magistrates' Court on September 4, 2026, after he knowingly drove a private hire vehicle in a controlled district without having a current licence under section 51 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
He did not attend court, and the case was found proven in his absence. Lewis was fined £660 and ordered to pay costs of £1,778.50 and a victim surcharge of £264, bringing the total to £2,702.50. He must pay the sum within 28 days.
Council response
Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, cabinet member with responsibility for enforcement at Carmarthenshire council, said: “The safety and wellbeing of pupils travelling to and from school is of paramount importance.
“Licensed drivers are required to meet strict standards and undergo the necessary checks to ensure they are suitable to transport members of the public, including children.
“This prosecution demonstrates the council's commitment to enforcing licensing legislation and taking appropriate action where individuals operate outside the law.
“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure school transport services remain safe, reliable and compliant.”
