
An Uber driver who felt under pressure to rush a passenger to a hospital appointment jumped a red light and knocked down a grandfather in Newcastle city centre.
Shak Rahman, 48, struck the victim as he crossed Percy Street after finishing work, throwing him into the air and onto the windscreen before he landed heavily on the road. Prosecutors told Newcastle Crown Court it was "quite remarkable" the pedestrian was not more seriously injured.
The victim, who had been heading to catch a bus home outside Newcastle University library, remembered nothing between crossing the road and waking up in hospital. In his victim impact statement, he explained that the crash had a "massive impact on me mentally, physically and financially," leaving him with ongoing chest pain, time off work, and family members constantly worrying about him.
Although Rahman gave his details to ambulance staff, but left the scene. When police went to his home, they saw his car was damaged from the impact. A tyre was more than 10 years’ old, his brakes were rusted and there was a loose cover on the steering wheel but this did not contribute to the crash.
With no previous convictions, Rahman pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. Defence solicitor Spencer Downey explained: "He believes his passenger was going to an appointment at the RVI and they were complaining they were running late, adding to the pressure on him."
Recorder Tony Hawks condemned the "completely reckless act," telling Rahman: "You took an enormous risk by ignoring a red light and you ran over a pedestrian, who had to go to hospital.
"Fortunately, he was not seriously injured but he could have been killed or seriously injured, in which case you would undoubtedly go to prison immediately."
Rahman was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, handed a 12-month driving ban, and ordered to pass an extended test.
The judge told him: "I'm not going to send you to prison immediately because you have been punished significantly as a result of this completely reckless act on your part, namely you have lost your livelihood as a private hire driver and from what I know of the city council you are unlikely to get your licence back with a conviction for dangerous driving."

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While the initial phase will feature a licensed private hire driver behind the wheel rather than full automation, the decision has drawn swift criticism and caution from officials and unions alike.

The public consultation closes at midday on Friday, August 7, with the council urging anyone with an interest in the future of taxi and private hire services in the district to take part before the deadline.

The decision marks a major milestone for ride-hailing giant Uber and British artificial intelligence firm Wayve, making London the first city in the world to deploy Wayve’s commercial autonomous technology. 

Emergency services were called to Asbridge Street at around 6.45am on Tuesday, 4 August, after a silver Toyota Corolla PHV collided with the property, causing visible damage to the vehicle.

The council has confirmed it has received a claim for a judicial review regarding "certain aspects" of its updated Hackney Carriage and PH Licensing Policy, which was originally approved on 19 March

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Under the proposal, which will now go to full council for final approval, the current ten-year age limit on licensed vehicles will be increased to 15 years exclusively for electric models.

The driver was parked on a nearby street waiting for his next booking after completing an Uber journey when an unknown man approached his car.

In meeting minutes detailing the refusal, the panel concluded that "on the balance of probabilities" the unnamed applicant was "not a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver licence."

Local firms argue that the timing of the enforcement undermines their livelihoods during the most profitable period of the year.

Almost 18,000 drivers have received payouts between £300 and £500 under a Goodwill Payment Scheme, which was introduced to support those whose livelihoods were disrupted.

Now part of Vertu Motors following its acquisition last summer, the business continues to provide servicing, parts and specialist support tailored to professional drivers who own and run LEVC Hackney carriages

The drivers accepted unbooked fares from undercover licensing officers - violating strict regulations that stipulate only hackneys licensed within Trafford can be hailed directly in the borough.

The unannounced inspections were carried out to ensure licensed cabs continue to meet strict safety and reliability standards for local passengers.

Despite clear signage prohibiting taxis, local cabbies continue to block the area near the Platform 4 entrance, creating severe congestion for pedestrians and other motorists, especially during evening hours.

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Starting fares across all tariffs will increase by 30p - with tariff one rising from £2.60 to £2.90 - representing an average fare increase of around 4.28%, whilst tariff two will see a 10% rise.
