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Posted on the 3rd June 2025 in PHTM News
TRAFFORD CENTRE STING MEANS UNINSURED PH DRIVER TO PAY OVER £1,200 FOR ILLEGAL PLYING
A private hire driver has been hit with a hefty £1,226 fine and six penalty points on his licence after being caught red-handed operating illegally outside the Trafford Centre by an undercover council officer.
Anees Arif, 52, of Lees, Oldham, pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including illegally waiting in a hackney carriage rank and accepting an uninsured fare.
The sting operation was part of increased patrols by Trafford Council's enforcement staff, prompted by concerns from licensed hackney carriage drivers about unauthorsed vehicles using their ranks.
Undercover officers observed Arif's blue Kia EV6 Horizon, which was licensed by Sefton Council, parked in a designated taxi rank.
Upon being approached for a lift to Altrincham, Arif agreed to a £13 fare. However, the officer then revealed their identity.
According to Trafford Council, Arif acknowledged his wrongdoing, attempting to justify his actions by claiming the fare was "lower than Uber" and intended as a "gesture of help."
At Manchester Magistrates' Court, Arif pleaded guilty to illegally waiting in a hackney carriage rank, accepting an illegal fare on Barton Dock Road, using a motor vehicle while uninsured, and failing to wear his driver’s badge.
He was fined £576, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £230, and costs of £420, totalling £1,226.
Additionally, six points were added to his driving licence, bringing his total to 12 points. Despite reaching the usual disqualification threshold, Arif avoided a ban due to "exceptional circumstances."
Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Safety, praised the enforcement team's efforts.
"This is another great result thanks to our Licensing Enforcement Team," she stated. "Our officers are continually out in the community, ensuring that standards are maintained, and the law is complied with.
"The case sends a clear message that we are here to support our taxi trade, and anyone found contravening the regulations will be held accountable.”
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