Private Hire Driver in Tewkesbury Found Guilty of Illegal Activity

A Tewkesbury private hire driver has been prosecuted for illegal Cheltenham plying-for-hire activity, marking a significant step in enforcing taxi regulations to protect the public and ensure fair competition within the industry.

Incident and Legal Proceedings

Omer Shahzad, 36, a licensed private hire driver, pleaded guilty to unlawfully picking up a passenger in Cheltenham without a pre-booking on 13 March 2024. Initially, Shahzad denied the offence, but he later changed his plea to guilty during a hearing at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on 9 December 2024. As a result, the court imposed a £1,000 fine, a £400 victim surcharge, and awarded £1,000 in costs to Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Investigation and Legal Support

The case was brought forward by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Licensing team, with support from the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and One Legal, a shared legal service. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from a member of the public, illustrating the vital role of the community in maintaining compliance with taxi regulations.

Council's Commitment to Public Safety

Councillor Sarah Hands, Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to upholding the legality of private hire services in the region. In her statement, she emphasized that this prosecution sends a clear message about the council’s resolve to tackle illegal activities and protect the public.

The prosecution of Tewkesbury private hire driver for illegal Cheltenham plying-for-hire activity sends a strong signal to other drivers, underlining the importance of adhering to local taxi regulations.