A TAXI driver from Slough has been fined for illegally operating in Reading, Reading Borough Council has announced.
Mohammad Qaiser Ayub, of Conegar Court, Slough, was licensed as a Dual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver by Slough Borough Council.
He was ordered to pay £788 in fines and costs, given six penalty points on his driving licence, and had his dual licence revoked after being caught illegally plying for hire in Reading.
On Saturday,February 24, last year, licensing officers were conducting a test purchase operation which detects drivers illegally plying for hire.
Officers flagged down Mr Ayub’s vehicle, which is licensed for Slough, outside the Grosvenor Casino on Queens Road.
A dual licence does not permit the holder to ply for hire outside of the Slough area.
However a test purchase was undertaken in which Mr Ayub agreed to take the officers to an address in Slough for £40, without the required pre-booking.
During an interview under caution, Mr Ayub denied any wrongdoing, but on Monday, March 3, this year, Mr Ayub was convicted by Reading Magistrates Court.
He was handed £788 in fines and costs, given six penalty points on his driving licence, and had his dual licence revoked.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “This result is a testament to the continued success of our Licensing team in catching and prosecuting drivers who choose to operate outside of the law, taking trade away from local fully licensed and insured drivers.
“Crucially, if a member of the public gets into a vehicle operating unlawfully, they will not be covered by insurance in the event of an accident.
“Test purchasing exercises like this one by our Licensing officers are vital to ensure the standards expected of Private Hire drivers are upheld and to ensure the safety and welfare of the taxi travelling public.”
