A driver previously caught illegally touting taxi services at Heathrow Airport is now facing a fresh set of charges, as revealed by the Metropolitan Police’s Aviation Policing Unit.
The individual was banned from driving for six months following a court appearance last week. The disqualification stemmed from offences such as driving without insurance, using ‘stealth plates’ to obscure the vehicle’s identity, and operating a car with a defective tyre. However, despite the court ruling, the driver was spotted driving away immediately after the hearing.
The driver is now being investigated for additional offences, including driving while disqualified, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance, and dangerous driving. A sentencing hearing is expected in due course.
Taxi touting, an illegal practice where individuals solicit passengers for hire without a valid licence, is a growing problem at major transport hubs like Heathrow. These unauthorised services often compromise passenger safety by circumventing essential licensing, safety checks, and insurance requirements.
A spokesperson for the Met Police’s Aviation Policing Unit at Heathrow stated: “Officers from the Safer Airport team attended court last week with a known tout. He was disqualified from driving for six months for offences including no insurance, the use of stealth plates, and a defective tyre. Following the hearing, he was seen driving off despite the ban.
“He is now under investigation for further offences, including driving while disqualified, no insurance, failing to stop, and dangerous driving. A sentencing hearing will follow.”
Source: Taxi Point
