Taxi Driver Fined for Illegally Plying for Hire in Reading

A WINDSOR and Maidenhead taxi driver has been hit with a financial penalty of almost £1,000 after illegally plying for hire in Reading.

Mr Alyas Mahmood, aged 45 of Greathill Crescent, Maidenhead - a licensed private hire driver for Windsor and Maidenhead - was found guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court of illegally plying for hire in Reading. At 00:38am on Sunday 17th December 2017, the taxi driver was observed by council officers in Friar Street, Reading, plying for hire (which is illegal for private hire taxis). His vehicle was observed parked in a Reading Hackney Carriage taxi rank, falsely displaying a taxi roof sign. He failed to display a Private Hire Vehicle badge or plate. Mr Mahmood appeared at court on Friday 8th June 2018, where he pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay fines totalling £600, a £30 victim surcharge and £340 in legal costs.

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

“This is the second successful prosecution of a taxi driver illegally plying for hire in Reading this month. Thanks to the hard work of the Council’s licensing team, we are sending out the message this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. I hope both these prosecutions serve as a deterrent to drivers who are tempted to work illegally and opportunistically in Reading.” 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