TfL targets supercar drivers in minicab con

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The clampdown comes after the Standard revealed how motorists have been registering prestige cars as private hire vehicles to beat the congestion charge.

Drivers of Bentleys and Aston Martins are among those suspected of exploiting the loophole, which exempts them from the £8-a-day charge.

Minicab drivers are supposed to pay the toll if they are not carrying fares, but it is almost impossible to check this.

Now Transport for London is sending letters to the owners of suspect minicabs and introducing spot checks to catch offenders. A TfL spokesman said: "We will be contacting any owners over the coming days to clarify how their vehicles are being used. If any owners are found to be using their private hire licence simply to avoid paying the congestion charge, they will be removed from the exemption list immediately."

Minicab exemptions are obtained by paying an £82 registration fee followed by a £27-a-year licence fee. Exploiting the loophole can save motorists more than £1,500. There are claims of builders and pick-up truck firms registering their vehicles as minicabs.

The London Private Hire Car Association said it is not necessary to be a minicab operator, or even a licensed minicab driver, to get a vehicle licensed as a cab. Owners must show a valid MoT certificate but no checks are made on the suitability of the car.

A TfL spokesman said a small number of expensive cars were registered legally by hotels and chauffeuring firms.