AN UBER driver has been fined more than £1,000 and given eight penalty points on his license after illegally plying for hire in Reading.
Reading Borough Council has announced that Muhamad Ismail Mahumuthu Atham, of Kingsgate Street, Reading, has been fined after being found guilty of illegal cab hire.
Mr Atham was caught plying for hire in Reading for a second time, despite only being licensed by Fareham Borough Council– his second such offence since 2020.
He was ordered to pay combined fines and legal fees totalling £1,195 and given 8 penalty points at a hearing at Reading Crown Court last month.
It comes after he was caught by Reading Borough Council licensing officers on Oxford Road, where he agreed to pick up two officers acting as customers.
However he recognised one of the officers, when he drove off with one of his rear doors still open.
He was subsequently charged with plying for hire without both a valid taxi vehicle license and valid taxi driver’s license as well as driving without the appropriate insurance.
Mr Atham has previously been convicted for illegally plying for hire in Reading, and in November 2020 he was found guilty of the same offence at Reading Magistrates’ Court.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:
“This successful conviction by Reading’s diligent licensing team shows that Private Hire drivers who think they are above the law will not escape punishment.
“Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers deserve to trust that their driver is properly insured and licensed. Our officers routinely conduct operations in town centre hotspots to enforce these standards.
“We are thankful for the support from the majority of Reading’s law-abiding taxi trade. Unlicensed drivers who undermine this trust will be dealt with firmly to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our nighttime economy.
“If you have any concerns about taxi or private hire drivers, you can report them confidentially to us at licensing@reading.gov.uk or through the Council Contact Centre at 0118 937 3787.”
