Unlicensed Taxi Driver Fined After Council Sting in Manchester

An unlicensed private hire driver was caught red-handed in a council enforcement operation after attempting to pick up passengers illegally following an Arctic Monkeys concert at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The driver, Bilal Khan, was found violating taxi licensing laws by accepting a fare without a prior booking, an offence that poses serious risks to public safety. Similar enforcement actions have taken place across the UK, including a case where an unlicensed taxi driver was fined over £2,000 by West Norfolk Council after being caught in a council sting.

Council Sting Operation Exposes Illegal Taxi Activity

The Trafford Council Licensing Enforcement Team was conducting targeted inspections on the night of the concert to crack down on illegal taxi operations. At around 10 PM, two undercover officers from the council approached Khan’s private hire vehicle, a Skoda Octavia licensed under Manchester City Council, and requested a three-mile ride to the city centre.

Despite the legal requirement that private hire vehicles (PHVs) must be pre-booked, Khan agreed to take the officers for a £20 cash payment. As the journey began, the officers identified themselves and ordered him to stop. Khan was not wearing a driver’s badge at the time, further violating taxi regulations.

Councillor Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Communities and Safety, stated:

"It’s very important that these rules are upheld for people’s safety. Private hire taxis must be pre-booked. This type of license does not allow drivers to pick up passengers who ask at the roadside."

Legal Consequences and Council Warning

Khan later claimed in a statement that he had intended to transport the officers for free, but the explanation was dismissed in court. At Manchester Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including operating without the proper licensing and insurance. He was fined a total of £990, which included a £600 fine, a £240 surcharge, and £150 towards legal costs.

Trafford Council emphasized the dangers of unlicensed taxi services, warning that passengers who use unauthorized taxis are not insured in case of accidents.

Councillor Rose Thompson reinforced the importance of compliance, stating:

"Only licensed Hackney carriages (black cabs) are legally permitted to pick up passengers from the roadside."

The council has reiterated its commitment to ensuring passenger safety and strictly enforcing licensing regulations to prevent illegal taxi operations in Manchester.