Taxi driver fined and banned from driving after offering illegal rides in Reading

A SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE licensed Private Hire and Hackney Carriage driver has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 in costs and given a six-month driving ban after operating whilst his licence was suspended and illegally plying for hire in Reading.  

Mr Talal Bin Mumtaz Raja, of Russell Street, Reading, was found guilty at Reading Magistrates Court and convicted of four offences on 7 April 2025. 

Magistrates heard how, on 23 March 2024, Reading Licensing officers conducting an undercover test purchase operation flagged Mr Raja’s vehicle down outside the Penta Hotel on Oxford Road, Reading, where he agreed to take an officer to an address in Tilehurst for £12 without prior booking. 

Although Mr Raja is licensed as a Hackney Carriage driver, this only entitles him to pick up customers without a booking in the borough where he is licensed. 

During their investigation and liaison with South Oxfordshire District Council, it was discovered that Mr Raja’s driving and vehicle licences were suspended at the time of the test purchase, as he had failed to complete mandatory disability training. 

Presiding Magistrates imposed fines of £700 for the offences of plying for hire and operating without insurance. Mr Raja was also handed costs of £1,000, and the victim surcharge of £280, and is now subject to a six-month driving ban. 

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

“This is the second successful prosecution of a taxi driver illegally plying for hire in Reading in just a few weeks, thanks to the hard work of Reading’s Licensing team.  

“This result emphasises our message that behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated. Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers are entitled to trust that 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. 

“I hope this and the other recent successful prosecutions  serve as a deterrent to drivers who are tempted to work opportunistically and outside of the law in Reading.” 

ENDS