A TAXI driver caught driving without a carriage licence has been fined hundreds of pounds.

Colin Eltringham, of Front Street, Fishburn, was charged with driving a taxi without a hackney carriage licence following an investigation by Durham County Council’s licensing team.

The 53-year-old failed a test purchase exercise in August last year when he picked up consumer protection officers posing as members of the public from outside of a pub in Sedgefield.

Eltringham did not attend a hearing but pleaded guilty to the offence by letter. He also admitted a further charge of driving a vehicle without insurance.

Eltringham was ordered to pay a total of £737.75 in fines and costs and his driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Owen Cleugh, consumer protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “Taxi and private hire licensing is in place to protect the public and it’s our job to ensure these laws are followed. This prosecution proves we will take action against those who flout the law and the consequences can be serious."

For more information about licensing in County Durham, including how to apply for a taxi licence, visit durham.gov.uk/licensing