Gwent Taxi Boss Convicted in £253k School Transport Fraud

A Gwent taxi company director has been handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to fraud involving falsified safety certificates for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 🚖⚖️

Peter Roland Banwell, 62, from Bargoed, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 8 April 2024, where he admitted to fraud by misrepresentation while serving as director of Banwell Buses Ltd (trading as Beeline Taxis) between June 2023 and May 2024.

The court heard that Banwell held contracts with Caerphilly County Borough Council to transport children to schools, including 14 contracts specifically requiring vehicles with lifting equipment.

Suspicions were raised when nine certificates dated for a future date (15 December 2024) were submitted to the council on 24 May 2024. Further investigation revealed that 26 certificates, including those from May and December 2023, were all fraudulent.

The nine vehicles were immediately suspended by Caerphilly council pending proper inspection. All were found to have defects, with two deemed completely unsafe.

During the period when uncertified vehicles were being used, Banwell Buses Ltd received £253,550 from the council.

Councillor Philippa Leonard stated, “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.”

Upon discovery of the fraud, Mr Banwell admitted to forging the certificates and resigned as the company’s director.

His Honour Judge Khan handed Banwell a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 2 years, along with an order to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. The company was also fined £12,000, and Banwell now faces further action under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Banwell’s previous good character but admonished him for his “stupidity”, telling him he was “dishonest”, had “lost his good character” and looks to “lose financially” due to Proceeds of Crime proceedings.

Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, vehicles must undergo biannual safety checks to ensure equipment safety. A LOLER certificate is issued upon passing, and the council requires taxi operators to submit proof of these tests every six months.