Posted on the 22nd May 2026 in PHTM News
UNDERCOVER STING LEADS TO CONVICTIONS AND £2,500 FINES FOR READING PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS
Two private hire drivers have been prosecuted and hit with more than £2,500 in combined fines and costs after being caught illegally picking up passengers without prior bookings in Reading.
The convictions follow successful undercover test purchase operations conducted by Reading Borough Council’s licensing team in the town centre and outside the Grosvenor Casino on Queens Road.
The first driver, 42-year-old Shafqat Ali, was caught after agreeing to drive an undercover officer to Wokingham for a £60 fare without a booking.
On 1 May 2026, Reading Magistrates’ Court found Mr Ali guilty of plying for hire and driving without insurance.
He was fined £180 and ordered to pay £500 in costs alongside a £72 victim surcharge. The court also added eight penalty points to his driving licence, which triggered a six-month driving disqualification due to a previous six-point endorsement.
The second prosecution stemmed from a separate covert operation in central Reading in June 2025. Officers approached Amit Malik, a private hire driver licensed by Wokingham Borough Council, who agreed to take them to Market Place in Wokingham for an unbooked £35 fare.
At a hearing on 11 May 2026, Mr Malik was fined £225 for plying for hire and £594 for driving without insurance. He was also ordered to pay a £328 victim surcharge, £1,640 in prosecution costs, and received eight penalty points on his licence.
Council officials emphasised that the strict regulations are designed to keep the public safe during nights out. Councillor John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport at Reading Borough Council, praised the enforcement team for their dedication to the case.
"Public safety and confidence in regulated and licensed taxis is of paramount importance," Councillor Ennis said. "Private hire and hackney carriage customers are entitled to trust the person driving is properly vetted, authorised, checked, and licensed. Unlicensed drivers who undermine that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our night time economy.
"The Council Licensing Team worked tirelessly to bring this complex case to court, and I am glad Magistrates’ recognised the importance of it."
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