Private hire driver fined and banned from the roads following repeated illegal operating

AN UNDERCOVER operation by Reading Council Licensing officers has led to an unlicensed driver being fined and banned from the roads after he was caught offering illegal rides in Reading town centre for the second time in two years.

Officers began an investigation in February 2025 following a tip-off about unlicensed private hire activity, and booked a journey to Gatwick Airport from Pentahotel, Oxford Road, with a suspected unlicensed operator.

On 14 February 2025, Mr Saleem Raza, of Cressingham Road, Reading, arrived at the agreed pick-up location in a white Mercedes for which he was not insured to use for private hire. After officers made themselves known to him, he drove away.

At court on 4 August 2026, Reading Magistrates' Court found Mr Raza guilty of using a motor vehicle without insurance and acting as a private hire driver without a licence. For the offence of acting as a private hire driver without a licence, he was fined £750, with a £300 surcharge. For the offence of using a motor vehicle without insurance, he was fined £180, with a £72 surcharge.

This prosecution was not an isolated incident but formed part of a history of offending by Mr Raza. In April 2024, he was found guilty and fined for plying for hire without insurance after being caught by officers on West Street, Reading.

The Magistrates disqualified Mr Raza from driving for six months.

The total amount owed to the court is £3,697 and must be paid within 12 months. The higher amount reflects additional court costs incurred as a result of Mr Raza’s delays to the proceedings.

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

“Our Licensing team worked tirelessly to bring this complex case to court, and I am glad Magistrates’ recognised the importance of it.

“Public safety and confidence in regulated and licensed taxis is of paramount importance. 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 the safety of our residents and visitors to Reading.”

ENDS