Council reiterates importance of travelling safely after taxi driver fined for operating illegally

READING’s Licensing team reiterates to residents the importance of catching a taxi safely after officers catch another unlicensed driver plying for hire in the town centre.

Mr Muhammad Imran Bajwa, licensed by New Forest District Council as an Uber Driver, was only licenced to accept pre-booked fares. In the early hours of 1 June 2024, licensing officers approached him in an undercover operation on Oxford Road, Reading. He agreed to take them to Dee Road, Tilehurst, for a fare of £15 without the required prior booking.

Mr Bajwa was not wearing his taxi driver’s badge and he had not attached the taxi licence plate to his car, causing his vehicle to look the same as any ordinary private car.

Appearing at Reading Magistrates Court on 17 January 2025, Mr Bajwa of Kenavon Drive, Reading, pleaded guilty to illegally plying for hire, and operating without the correct insurance. The court levied fines of £80 and £120 respectively, a reduced sum due to Pleading guilty at the first hearing.

Two further fines of £40 each were ordered for failing to wear his licence badge and failing to exhibit his licence plate. Prosecution costs of £176 and a victim surcharge of £112 will also be paid, bringing the full financial penalties to £568.

The court also endorsed Mr Bajwa’s driving licence with eight penalty points for using a motor vehicle without valid insurance.

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said:

“This result highlights the tireless work of our licensing officers, conducting covert operations to detect illegal plying for hire in Reading and bringing those who fall foul of the law to prosecution.

“Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers are entitled to trust the person driving is properly vetted, authorised, checked, and licensed. Unlicensed drivers undermining that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our nighttime economy.

“Don’t forget, black cabs can be hired at a taxi rank, flagged down, or pre-booked. Private Hire Vehicles cannot be flagged down on the street, these journeys must always be pre-booked for them to be properly insured.

“Before starting your journey, always check the licence plate at the rear of the car and the driver’s badge.

“Any customer with concerns about taxi or private hire drivers can report them, in confidence, to us at licensing@reading.gov.uk or via the Council Contact Centre on 0118 937 3787.”

ENDS