A Llanelli man who drove children to school without a dual hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licence has been ordered to pay £2,702.50.
Derrick Lewis, 56, was convicted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 4 September 2026 for knowingly driving a private hire vehicle on 9 February without a current licence. Carmarthenshire Council’s licensing and school transport teams found him during compliance checks at Ysgol Heol Goffa, which teaches pupils with additional learning needs. He did not attend court; the case was proven in his absence.
Magistrates imposed a £660 fine, £1,778.50 costs and a £264 victim surcharge, payable within 28 days. Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said licensed drivers must meet strict standards for carrying the public, including children, and that the prosecution shows the council will act where people operate outside the law.