London Driver Prosecuted for Illegally Operating in Reading

A TRANSPORT for London licensed Uber driver has been hit with a £980 fine after illegally plying for hire in Reading.

Mr Mohamed Omerdeen, age 48, of Chalvey Road East, Slough, was found guilty of illegally plying for hire and operating a vehicle without an operator’s licence on 29th April 2018, after he offered to take a council officer to Slough for £50 without an advance booking. At Reading Magistrates’ Court on 25th January 2019, Mr Omerdeen was found guilty and faced financial penalties totalling £980, including £250 for plying for hire, prosecution costs of £700 and a victim surcharge £30.

Cllr Tony Page, Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said:

“This is a positive outcome which upholds regulations that are in place to protect the public. I hope cases such as this will serve as a deterrent to drivers who are tempted to work illegally in Reading. “Hopefully this prosecution sends out the message that Reading will not tolerate illegal activity like this.” Test purchases and spot checks are carried out to protect the public by ensuring drivers and vehicles meet the standards set by Reading Borough Council and current taxi legislation.

ENDS