A private hire driver has been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates Court for illegally plying for hire (blagging).
This follows an enforcement operation conducted by Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire Councils in October 2019.
Rofiqul Islam of Oak Road, Luton accepted a £20 journey from Stony Stratford to Newport Pagnell in October 2019 which had not been pre-booked.
At the time, Mr Islam’s vehicle was only insured for pre-booked journeys with operator Skyline. Mr Islam pleaded not guilty but following trial was found guilty on 19 October 2020 to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance.
He was fined:
- £60 for plying for hire
- £50 for no insurance
- Given 6 points on his DVLA licence
- Ordered to pay costs of £300 with a victim surcharge of £30
Mr Islam is licensed by Buckinghamshire Council who will now review his licence as a result of this conviction.
Councillor Mick Legg, Chair of MKC’s Regulatory (Taxi) Committee, said: "For £20 this driver took the risk of breaking the law which has subsequently cost him £440 and put 6 points on his DVLA licence - which will also increase the cost of his vehicle insurance.
“Let’s hope this driver has learnt his lesson and all other drivers take note that if they break the law then they will be caught and prosecuted.
"I would urge members of the public not to get into private hire vehicles without a prearranged booking through an operator for their own safety. Public safety is our number one priority and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who puts this at risk."
