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Posted on the 20th July 2025 in PHTM News
BRACKNELL TAXI DRIVER FINED AFTER OFFERING ILLEGAL RIDES IN READING
A private hire and hackney carriage driver licensed in Bracknell has been ordered to pay almost £750 by magistrates after Reading licensing officers caught him illegally plying for hire in the town centre.
Asghar Ali, of Bracknell, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on 20 June 2025 and was convicted of two offences.
Magistrates heard how, on 4 December 2024, Reading Borough Council licensing officers conducting a test purchase operation approached Mr Ali’s vehicle that was stopped on Friar Street, where he agreed to take them to an address in Wokingham for £35 without the required prior booking.
Although Mr Ali is a licensed hackney carriage driver, the conditions of his licence only entitle him to pick up customers without a booking in Bracknell, where he is licensed. Any rides accepted outside of this area invalidate his insurance, putting passengers at risk in the event of an accident.
At sentencing, Mr Ali was given credit for his early guilty plea and cooperation at interview. He was fined £392 for operating without insurance and handed eight penalty points on his driving licence.
For the offence of plying for hire, he was given no separate penalty. He was also required to pay a victim surcharge of £157, as well as a contribution towards the prosecution costs of £200.
Mr Ali pleaded guilty and was convicted of:
Use of a motor vehicle without insurance, contrary to Section 143(1)(a) and Section 143(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Plying for Hire, Contrary to Section 45 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport at Reading Borough Council, said: “Thanks to the proactive work of Reading’s Licensing team, another driver operating unlawfully has been successfully prosecuted.
“Illegal plying for hire will not be tolerated in Reading. We will continue to take firm action against any driver who disregards the rules, maintaining the integrity of licensed taxi services in Reading and ensuring that residents and visitors can travel with confidence and peace of mind.”
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