An unlicensed taxi driver has been fined £1,133.

Derek Tucker of St Neots Road in Harold Hill was found guilty of plying for trade in Loughton without a licence by magistrates in Chelmsford Magistrates Court today.

Tucker was ordered to pay the fine, legal costs and a victim surcharge after pleading guilty to using two vehicles under the unlicensed name of Hackney Carriages on August 2 and August 15 last year outside the club known as Fifteen in York Hill, Loughton.

He was summoned to court following an investigation launched after complaints were made to Epping Forest District Council by licensed taxi drivers.

Councillor Ken Angold-Stephens, Chairman of the Licensing Committee said: “Taxi drivers and their cabs are licensed for very good reasons.

"The cab has to be fit for purpose and so does the driver.

"Anyone tempted to take an unlicensed cab could be putting themselves in serious danger.

"Licensed cabs have to meet strict road safety requirements.

"We also look at everything from the quality of their eyesight to their criminal record before we license a driver.

"If the vehicle and driver are up to standard they have no reason not to get a licence.

"For the passenger, taking a ride in an unlicensed cab simply isn’t worth the risk.”