All four drivers were also fined for invalid motor insurance
MK Magistrates’ heard these cases on Friday, 7 December 2018 which followed joint enforcement operations carried out by Milton Keynes, South Northants and Aylesbury Vale Councils earlier this year. These four drivers had accepted journeys from Council Officers, who were acting as member of the public, from one destination to another in Milton Keynes that were not pre-booked. Further investigations showed that the vehicles used by the drivers were not insured for these journeys.
Muhammad Babar Ali Chaudhry of Great Holm, Milton Keynes attended Court and pleaded guilty to plying for hire and no insurance offences committed on 1 July 2018. He was fined £65 for plying for hire, £200 for invalid motor insurance, given 6 points in his DVLA licence, and also has to pay costs of £735 with a victim surcharge £30.00
Imran Faisal of Warwick Road West, Luton attended Court and pleaded guilty to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance committed on 1 July 2018. He was fined £115 for plying for hire, £350 for invalid motor insurance, given 6 points on his DVLA licence, and also has to pay costs of £735 with a victim surcharge of £35.
Shamraz Ali of Laburnum Avenue, Bedford attended Court and pleaded guilty to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance committed on 12 July 2018. He was fined £85 for plying for hire, £250 for invalid motor insurance, given 6 points on his DVLA licence, and also has to pay costs of £735 with a victim surcharge of £30.
Mohammed Ajmal of Cavendish Road, Luton attended Court and pleaded guilty to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance committed on 1 July 2018. He was fined £185 for plying for hire, £556 for invalid motor insurance, given 6 points on his DVLA licence, and also has to pay costs of £605 with a victim surcharge of £55.
At the time of these offences the private hire vehicles were licensed by Aylesbury Vale and South Northants Councils. Both Councils will take appropriate action in regard to their Private Hire/Hackney Carriage driver licences.
Chair of MKC’s Taxi Licensing Committee, Cllr Catriona Morris, said: “Licensed drivers are in a position of trust and members of the public expect that anyone driving a licensed vehicle has the correct licence and insurance to do so.
“These four drivers must take personal responsibility for the safety of everyone they carry in their private hire vehicles. Illegally plying for hire and driving without appropriate insurance cover means that passengers have little or no legal protection whilst travelling in these vehicles.
“These cases will hopefully send a powerful message to the licensed trade and clearly show the consequences that await any licensed driver who fails to follow the law.
“We would urge members of the public not to get into private hire vehicles without a prearranged booking for their own safety.
“These operations by Milton Keynes, Aylesbury Vale and South Northants Councils will continue and shall hopefully minimise, if not eliminate, those drivers carrying out illegal activities within Milton Keynes.”
