A former taxi operator has been sentenced for forging safety certificates on school transport vehicles, following an investigation that revealed multiple wheelchair-accessible taxis used to carry children had not undergone mandatory inspections.
Peter Roland Banwell, 62, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 8th April 2024 where he pleaded guilty to fraud by misrepresentation. Between June 2023 and May 2024, Banwell was director of Banwell Buses Ltd (trading as Beeline Taxis), which held 14 contracts with Caerphilly County Borough Council to transport children, including contracts requiring vehicles fitted with lifting equipment.
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), vehicles with lifting equipment must undergo biannual inspections to ensure safety. A valid LOLER certificate must be submitted to the council every six months.
On 24th May 2024, Banwell submitted nine certificates dated 15th December 2024 — a future date — prompting suspicion. Further investigation found that 26 certificates issued in 2023 and 2024 were fraudulent. As a result, nine vehicles were suspended and inspected, with all found to have defects, two of which were deemed unsafe.
The council had paid Banwell Buses Ltd £253,550 to service the contracts with uncertified vehicles. Banwell admitted to forging the certificates and has since resigned as director.
He was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. The company was fined £12,000, and Banwell now faces action under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Councillor Philippa Leonard said: “Mr. Banwell’s use of unsafe vehicles showed a clear disregard for child safety, resulting in fraud against the council. This prosecution sends a strong message that we will not tolerate fraud and remain committed to protecting passengers and upholding operational integrity.”
His Honour Judge Khan described Banwell as “dishonest” and “stupid”, noting he had “lost his good character” and would likely “lose financially” due to the Proceeds of Crime proceedings.
