A private hire driver has been slapped with a substantial fine after being caught operating illegally in Reading town centre.
The Reading Chronicle reports that Saleem Raza, 63, from Reading, was caught illegally offering to drive people home without a prior booking in a council sting operation.
He has now been hit with costs totalling £2,900 and given eight penalty points on his driving licence.
In the early hours of the morning after a busy Saturday night, Mr Raza was parked in West Street outside a late-night food takeaway, an area known to council licensing officers for drivers illegally plying for hire.
Mr Raza was approached by a licensing officer and agreed to take them to Tilehurst for £15 without the required prior booking.
After a court hearing, he was fined £1,000 for the offence of plying for hire.
He was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £400.
Mr Raza was dealt the penalty points, fines and costs at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 4.
Consumer protection group manager at the council, Rob Abell, said: “Public safety and confidence to use regulated and licensed taxis is of paramount importance.
“Unlicensed drivers who undermine that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our nighttime economy.
“The Council Licensing Team worked tirelessly to bring this complex case to court, and I am delighted the District Judge recognised the importance of it."
Source: https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/24259355.reading-taxi-driver-must-pay-2-900-illegally-work/
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