Cambridge Taxi Driver Ahmed Al Ansar Loses Licence After Fellow Driver Reports Unlicensed Pickup and Insurance Breach; Appeals Rejected by Court

A Cambridgeshire taxi driver, Ahmed Al Ansar, has lost his licence following a prolonged legal battle over an unlicensed pickup. The revocation came after another licensed driver reported Ansar for conducting a pickup without the necessary private hire licence and insurance. The incident has prompted South Cambridgeshire District Council to warn all private hire drivers to strictly adhere to licensing rules.

Fellow Cabbie report

The situation unfolded when Ansar picked up a passenger in April 2021 who happened to be an off-duty licensed taxi driver with South Cambridgeshire District Council. According to the complaint, Ansar's vehicle lacked a visible rear plate and council-issued or operator-specific door signs. Ansar reportedly claimed an exemption from displaying these identifiers but failed to provide any supporting documentation. The passenger, another licensed taxi driver under South Cambridgeshire District Council, knowledgeable about licensing standards, informed Ansar that he intended to report the incident and supported the complaint with photographs of Ansar's vehicle and driver badge.

Court Upholds Licence Revocation After Multiple Appeals

After an initial ruling to revoke his licence, Ansar appealed twice, first at Cambridge Magistrates' Court and subsequently at Peterborough Crown Court. Both appeals were unsuccessful. Following the final appeal in 2024, the court ordered Ansar to pay an additional £2,551 in costs, totaling £4,518 including fees from the first appeal.

During the hearings, Ansar argued that the pickup was an accident and that he promptly attempted to apply for a private hire licence online after the incident. However, the court dismissed this defence, concluding that Ansar’s actions failed to meet the standards expected of a licensed private hire driver.

Council Cites Public Safety in Licence Revocation

Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, emphasized the council's commitment to public safety.

“Ensuring passenger safety is our highest priority. All private hire vehicles must be roadworthy and meet strict legal standards, as passengers place their trust in the drivers who transport them. The council has proven that this individual does not meet the standards of a fit and proper taxi driver, leading the court to revoke his licence.”

The council’s Principal Licensing Officer based the decision on evidence provided by the complainant, including a witness statement and photographic proof.

Ansar was invited twice to attend an interview under caution with the council’s licensing team, but he cancelled both appointments. The council ultimately deemed it in the public interest to revoke his licence, stressing the importance of compliance within the taxi and private hire sectors.

Taxi Licensing and Insurance Violations

Without a valid private hire licence, Ansar's insurance coverage was invalidated, an automatic consequence of the breach. This left Ansar unable to operate legally as a taxi driver. The council maintains that rigorous enforcement of licensing and insurance requirements is crucial to maintaining safety standards and public trust within the private hire industry.

Ansar’s case has become a reminder for private hire drivers about the importance of adhering to licensing regulations. South Cambridgeshire District Council has used this incident to reinforce that all drivers must meet the legal requirements and maintain their vehicles and documentation in compliance with public safety standards.

Financial Impact of Licence Revocation

The financial consequences for Ansar have been significant. In addition to the loss of his licence, the legal costs accrued over two years have created a considerable financial burden.

Ansar’s initial appeal at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court in November 2023 was unsuccessful, leading to the final decision at Peterborough Crown Court in 2024, where his licence was permanently revoked, and additional costs were imposed.

As the licensing authority, South Cambridgeshire District Council reaffirms its commitment to strict enforcement of taxi and private hire licensing standards, encouraging all drivers to maintain the required documentation and vehicle markings to avoid similar penalties.