Driver Fined After Operating Unlicensed PHV with Illegal Tyres

A private hire vehicle (PHV) driver has been fined £867 after being caught operating an unlicensed vehicle with illegal tyres. The case, which was heard at Bath Magistrates' Court, also resulted in the driver receiving three DVLA penalty points. This incident occurred during a joint operation between Avon and Somerset Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and licensing officers in July.

Illegal Tyres and Unlicensed Driving

During the operation, officers discovered that the PHV was fitted with two tyres below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm. According to UK law, tyres must meet minimum tread depth regulations for safety. If found to be below the limit, drivers face fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points for each defective tyre. Additionally, the driver was found to be operating the vehicle without the required valid badge due to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) issue.

PC Patrick Quinton, known as 'Taxi Cop' for Avon and Somerset Police, commented:

"In July, I was working with the DVSA and Licensing Officers when we stopped and checked a PHV. It had two tyres under 1.6mm and the driver wasn't currently licensed due to a DBS issue."

Tyre Regulations and Consequences

UK regulations stipulate that tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and around its entire circumference. Drivers who fail to comply risk significant penalties. PC Quinton emphasized the importance of these regulations:

"£185 of that was for driving a PHV without a badge. No badge = No drive!"