Private Hire Driver Fined for Illegal Bolton Stadium Pickup

A private hire driver has been penalised nearly £2,000 after admitting to an illegal pickup outside Bolton Wanderers' Toughsheet Stadium. The offence occurred on June 8, 2023, after a concert when the driver accepted a journey request from a woman and three companions without a prior booking through a licensed operator. Similar incidents, such as a driver busted for illegal pickups after a gig, highlight the ongoing challenges in enforcing private hire regulations during major events.

In the UK, private hire vehicles are only permitted to carry passengers who have pre-booked through an approved operator. Any journey accepted directly from the street is unlawful and can void the driver’s insurance. The driver was also found to have overcharged the passengers.

Licensed by Salford City Council, the Bolton-based driver admitted the violation during an interview and expressed remorse, calling it a "big mistake."

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Salford’s lead member for neighbourhoods, environment and community safety, remarked:

"Drivers have a duty to operate in accordance with the law and the conditions of their licence and the authority will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary."

Bentham further emphasised:

"As a reminder, a private hire vehicle must always be booked through a licensed operator."

The driver pleaded guilty at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court to illegally plying for hire. He was ordered to pay £1,200 in costs to the council, a £400 fine, and a £160 victim surcharge.

Salford City Council reiterated that such offences are treated with utmost seriousness and could lead to the suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of a driver’s licence.