Cheltenham Private Hire Driver Fined for Illegally Plying for Hire

A private hire driver in the UK has been prosecuted for breaking regulations by picking up passengers without pre-booking, a practice known as plying for hire.

On 9 December 2024, Omer Shahzad, aged 36, of Windyridge Road, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to the offense. The incident occurred on 13 March 2024 in Cheltenham.

Initially, Shahzad denied the charges at a hearing on 30 September 2024 at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court but later changed his plea to guilty.

Legal Penalties and Costs

The court fined Shahzad £1,000, imposed a £400 victim surcharge, and awarded £1,000 in costs to Tewkesbury Borough Council. This marked a significant step in ensuring compliance with private hire regulations.

The penalties are designed to emphasize the importance of following licensing laws and safeguarding the public.

Investigative Collaboration

The prosecution was brought forward by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Licensing team, supported by the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and One Legal, a shared legal service among councils including Cheltenham Borough, Gloucester City, Stroud District, and Tewkesbury Borough.

The investigation began after a public complaint, highlighting the community's role in identifying unlawful practices.

Official Statement on Enforcement

Councillor Sarah Hands, Lead Member for Environmental Services at Tewkesbury Borough Council, stated:

"Tewkesbury Borough Council is committed to ensuring the safety and legality of private hire services in our community. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activity and will take decisive action to protect the public."

She commended the Licensing team and other supporting units for their diligent work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

Private hire driver prosecuted for illegally plying for hire cases like this underscore the importance of strict enforcement of private hire laws across the UK to maintain public trust and safety.