A fake taxi driver hung around outside clubs waiting for a fare - he picked the wrong one

Anthony Lewis

4 June 2024 at 8:33 am·2-min read

Row of taxis — -Credit: (Image: South Wales Echo)

A taxi driver has been ordered to pay nearly £800 after operating in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) without a licence. Liam Downes of Church Village was illegally plying for hire in Pontypridd last year and has been hit with fines and costs of £775 having pleaded guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 8.

On Sunday, August 13, 2023 in the early hours of the morning, he parked near Pontypridd train station waiting for the public to leave the nearby pubs and clubs. He was approached by a licensing officer and agreed to take them to a drop off point for a fee. For the latest Pontypridd news, sign up to our newsletter here

A spokesperson for the licensing department in Rhondda Cynon Taf said: “Public safety and confidence to use regulated and licensed taxis is of utmost importance. Licensed drivers and vehicles go through rigorous checks to ensure they meet standards in place to protect the needs and safety of the public.

“Unlicensed drivers who undermine that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure public safety. 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 door signs 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 encourage anyone with information on unlicensed taxi drivers or unlicensed vehicles operating in Rhondda Cynon Taf to contact the council’s licensing team.” To get the latest Pontypridd news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Anyone wishing to report an unlicensed taxi driver can contact the licensing team by email licensing.section@rctcbc.gov.uk or on 01443 425001.

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