A CHEPSTOW minibus driver has lost his professional licence for three years.

Louis Moore gave a false name to an enforcement officer who stopped him on the A466 near Chepstow Racecourse because he did not hold a full licence to carry passengers.

Moore, of Hardwick Avenue, did not appear for a conduct hearing before the Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Nick Jones, at Cardiff Magistrates' Court.

Mr Jones was told Moore only had a provisional licence to drive passenger-carrying vehicles and heavy goods vehicles.

He also heard that Moore had previous a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving and had an endorsement for driving other than in accordance with his licence.

Moore also used a false name on his tachograph which drivers have to use to legally record their duties.

After being stopped on the main Chepstow to Monmouth road, Moore told the enforcement officer his name was Zac Niblett and was unable to show any record of the school transport he had driven earlier in the day.

Moore later admitted his real identity to a police officer when it was revealed he did not have a licence to drive the minibus.

Revoking  Moore's provisional PCV  and HGV   licences, the  Traffic Commissioner said: "This driver  was not entitled to be driving fare-paying passengers as he didn't have a licence authorising him to do so.

"He gave false details and only admitted who he was when the suspicious traffic examiner asked for a police officer to interview him to ascertain his true identity.

"It is exceptionally serious for someone to lie to an enforcement officer.

"People who lie to enforcement officers, provide false details and provide false records should seek alternative careers to driving PSVs or LGVs."