The details: Mr Calin's combined hackney carriage and private hire driving licences were revoked on 7 March 2025 on public safety grounds. Despite this, he continued driving a licensed hackney carriage vehicle, with the breach reported to the council on 27 March.
The court imposed the maximum available penalty of £1,000, alongside a £400 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £760.41. Mr Calin has been ordered to pay the total sum of £2,160.41 within 28 days.
What they're saying: Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, said: "Ipswich Borough Council expects everyone in the licensed trades to be honest, to abide by the rules of their licence, and to comply with the law.
"I'm pleased that the court backed us by fining the driver concerned and making an order for the costs incurred by the Council. More importantly, it is right that we act robustly to maintain the safety of hackney carriage customers."
The bottom line: The prosecution sends a clear message that the council will take legal action against drivers who operate without proper licensing, with courts supporting enforcement efforts through maximum penalties.
