glasgow private hire driver suspended over excessive fare

A private hire driver in Glasgow has been suspended for three months after charging passengers an excessive fare and engaging in illegal taxi practices. The city's licensing and regulatory committee took action against Malik Faisal following complaints about a £90 charge for a six-mile journey and an additional fee for returning a lost purse. Similar concerns have been raised elsewhere, including a case where a taxi firm was prosecuted for overcharging a disabled passenger, highlighting wider issues within the industry.

Unlawful Pick-Up and Overcharging

The incident occurred in November 2024 when Faisal illegally picked up passengers on Dumbarton Road and transported them to Newlands. Initially quoting £30, he repeatedly increased the fare, demanding £90 by the end of the trip.

Councillor Alex Wilson stated:

"You were taking excessive amounts of money for a journey that was nowhere near that amount."

During the trip, a passenger became ill, leading Faisal to suddenly brake, causing another passenger to hit their head.

Councillor Sean Ferguson stated:

"An individual hurt their head when you stopped abruptly."

Additional Charges for Returning Lost Property

Further complicating the case, Faisal later discovered a lost purse in his vehicle. Instead of returning it for free, he charged £20 to deliver it to the passenger’s mother.

Councillor Ferguson stated:

"It is not for you to charge £20 to take property back."

Councillor Wilson stated:

"You had the cheek to ask for money for returning an item. You should never have accepted a penny."

Suspension and Industry Implications

The committee also highlighted the risks of illegal private hire operations, noting that Faisal’s actions invalidated his insurance.

Councillor Ferguson stated:

"You have pirated."

While some councillors pushed for a full licence revocation, a three-month suspension was ultimately approved. The case underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the taxi industry to ensure fair pricing and passenger safety.