Taxi Operator Sentenced for Faking Safety Certificates on School Vehicles

A former taxi operator has been sentenced for forging safety inspection documents linked to school transport services for wheelchair users, raising serious concerns about child safety and compliance in the transport sector.

Peter Roland Banwell, former director of Banwell Buses Ltd, trading as Beeline Taxis, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 8 April 2024. He pleaded guilty to fraud by misrepresentation after submitting falsified safety certificates to Caerphilly County Borough Council. The fraudulent documents claimed that vehicle lifting equipment—used for wheelchair accessibility—had passed required safety inspections under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

According to legal requirements, such equipment must be formally checked every six months. However, the certificates submitted by Banwell were dated as far in advance as December 2024, despite being submitted in May. An internal review by the council identified 26 forged documents, including some backdated to 2023. This led to the suspension of nine vehicles from school service, two of which were deemed unsafe for use.

Despite lacking valid certification, Banwell Buses Ltd continued to operate and received over £253,000 in public payments. Following his admission of responsibility, Banwell resigned from his position. The court sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and mandated 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, the company was fined £12,000, and Banwell now faces proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Councillor Philippa Leonard commented:

"Mr Banwell's use of unsafe vehicles showed a clear disregard for child safety, resulting in fraud against the council."

In sentencing, His Honour Judge Khan addressed Banwell directly:

"You were dishonest, you have lost your good character, and you look to lose financially due to Proceeds of Crime proceedings."

”This prosecution sends a strong message that we will not tolerate fraud and remain committed to protecting passengers and upholding operational integrity.”