A taxi firm and unlicensed driver have been hit with a fine for emblazoning the letters ‘CAB’ on a personalised number plate.

The company had repeatedly been warned the wording was unlawful for unauthorised cars, a court heard.

Thanet District Council was awarded £1,376 after arguing the plate could be used to ply for hire.

The driver was stopped in a joint operation organised by the local authority and police.

It was discovered they had been using a personalised number plate with the company name and letters ‘CAB’.

It is prohibited under the Private Hire Licence conditions and only Hackney Carriages are permitted to display the words ‘CAB’ or ‘TAXI’ on vehicles.

The driver was found to be displaying the plate after council licensing officers repeatedly warned them to stop.

The offender would deny any wrongdoing but was convicted following a trial at Margate Magistrates Court on April 26.

The court also dismissed an appeal and the council was awarded costs of £1,376.83, in what is understood to be the first case of its kind in Kent.

The taxi operator was found guilty of allowing an unlicensed private hire vehicle to be used and handed fines and costs totalling £1,039.

They were also found guilty of driving without a private hire vehicle licence and handed fines and costs totalling £824.

Cllr Heather Keen, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “Taxis provide an important service to our residents.

“It is extremely important that they are operating within the law, to protect taxi users and other licensed operators.

“Vehicle licences are issued with conditions to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers and may be subject to spot checks by licensing officers.

“We take matters of this nature very seriously, and won’t hesitate to prosecute where we have evidence of vehicles operating without a valid licence in place.”

It is understood to be the first time a prosecution has been brought in Kent, involving wording on a personalised number plate.

Passengers should always check private hire vehicles or taxis are licensed, the district coiuncil has warned.

Licensed cars display an identification plate on the rear, which states the correct vehicle registration number and expiry date.