Cabbie stung in council touting operation.
A private hire driver has been fined more than £1,100 and received six penalty points on his licence after picking up passengers illegally in Milton Keynes and driving them without a booking.
During a test purchase operation, Loay Khojali, licensed by Buckinghamshire Council, approached two Milton Keynes City Council colleagues on the High Street in Stony Stratford and asked if they needed a taxi. He drove them to the Xscape building for £15 without a legal reservation.
Following an investigation led the city council, Mr Khojali appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court last month where he pleaded guilty to touting, illegally plying for hire and driving without insurance.
He was ordered to pay a total of £1,111 in fines and costs and received six points. Buckinghamshire Council is now reviewing his private hire licence.
“This case sends a clear message that we take public safety very seriously,” said Cllr Mick Legg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Affairs. “Private hire drivers must follow the law and only accept pre-booked journeys. We’ll continue to work hard to protect residents and visitors in our city.”
