02/07/2026
🟨 UNLICENSED PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR OFFERING ILLEGAL RIDES VIA FACEBOOK HAS VEHICLE SEIZED IN DONCASTER
An illegal private hire operator offering unlicensed rides over Facebook has been taken off the road after a joint sting by Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Police.
The operator first came to the attention of authorities after advertising fares on social media. Despite being officially warned by the council that they needed proper licensing, vehicle testing, and insurance, the company brazenly continued to operate illegally.
In response, undercover licensing compliance officers posed as customers and booked a ride to catch the operator in the act. When the driver arrived at the designated pickup point, police and council officers were waiting.
The vehicle was immediately seized after it was confirmed the driver was unlicensed, the operator was unauthorised, and the car lacked the necessary insurance.
Following the seizure, City of Doncaster Council is urging the public to always use legitimate, licensed taxi services for their own safety.
"Drivers who are unlicensed undermine those who uphold professional standards and adhere to the law," said Councillor Gemma Cobby, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Enforcement.
"They are unvetted, often uninsured, and unsafe. That is why our diligent licensing and compliance teams work hard to keep them off the roads. As this recent case shows, we will catch them."
Councillor Cobby reminded passengers that all licensed drivers must carry an identity badge with the council's logo, and their vehicles must clearly display a licence number and official plate. She urged anyone with concerns about an operator or driver to report them to the council immediately.👁️🗨️
