West Midlands Police and the City of Wolverhampton Council have taken action against a chauffeur hire company after seizing a Rolls-Royce Ghost being driven without valid insurance. The Walsall-based firm, Chauffeur Local, was prosecuted last summer following a test purchase operation that revealed licence breaches.
The unlicensed driver involved received six penalty points on his licence and was fined financially as a direct consequence of the illegal hire.
Chauffeur Local admitted to operating without a private hire operator’s licence at Dudley Magistrates’ Court in March. The company was fined £1,200 for unlawfully running a private hire vehicle within a controlled district.
During the enforcement sweep last summer, multiple luxury vehicles were seized by authorities. Further joint operations involving West Midlands Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and council teams are planned ahead of the upcoming prom season to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
“Hiring an unlicensed vehicle or driver could put young people at risk,” said Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services. He urged parents and guardians to carefully verify operator licences before making any bookings.
The council is working with local schools and neighbouring authorities to raise awareness that many limousine and luxury car providers may not hold valid hire licences. Families are encouraged to confirm credentials to keep prom celebrations safe and secure.
Originally published by UKNIP.
