Telford driver fined £1,000 for 'plying for hire'
Another Telford driver has admitted 'plying for hire' and has been fined £1,000.
Sajid Mahmood admitted picking up a fare that had not been pre-booked.
It follows the conviction of two other drivers earlier this month.
An operation was conducted in Madeley in November last year involving Telford & Wrekin Council’s Licensing team and West Mercia Police.
Mahmood of Crescent Road, Hadley did not attend Telford Magistrates Court but entered his guilty plea in writing through his solicitor.
Mr Mahmood was ordered to pay a total of £1,000 in fines and costs.
Ccouncillor Richard Overton,Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for enforcement said: “Private hire drivers aren’t licensed in the same way as taxi drivers. It is illegal for private hire drivers to pick-up fares that haven’t pre-booked. It may also invalidate a driver’s insurance, putting passengers at risk.
“Earlier this year, we introduced distinctive yellow signs which private hire vehicles must display on their doors. Look out for these signs. For your safety, journeys in these vehicles must be pre-booked.”
At the start of June, magistrates convicted Alhassan Awudu and Amjal Tanveer of ‘plying for hire’ following operations in Newport and Wellington. The drivers illegally took fares from two plain-clothed officers who had not booked the journey through the operator.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s licensing team runs plying for hire operations throughout the year. Two other private hire drivers appeared before Telford Magistrates yesterday and pleaded not guilty to plying for hire and having no insurance. Their cases are due to be heard on separate dates in August.
The public can report any suspicious or illegal activity or any concerns about private hire or taxis by using the Mytelford app or calling 01952 381818.
