A PRIVATE hire vehicle operator has been given a £1,600 court bill for employing a driver without the correct licence.

Angela Spendlove, 62, owner of Advanced Cars and Absolute Touring at North Leigh, was prosecuted by West Oxfordshire District Council.

She pleaded guilty at Witney magistrates court to one charge of being the operator of a vehicle and employing a driver not possessing a current private hire driving licence.

She was fined £700 and ordered to pay £899 legal costs. The driver, who has not been named, has been issued a written warning from the council.

All licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, by law, have to display a licence plate and drivers should be in possession of a photo licence badge.