An Uber driver has been penalized for illegally offering taxi services in Reading, prompting a warning from the council about ensuring passenger safety. Muhammad Imran Bajwa, licensed by New Forest District Council, was fined £568 and had eight points added to his driving licence for violating licensing requirements and insurance regulations.
Licensing Breach Uncovered
In an undercover operation conducted by licensing officers on Oxford Road, Reading, Mr. Bajwa agreed to transport passengers to Tilehurst for £15 without the required pre-booking. This action violated the terms of his private hire licence, which only permits him to accept pre-booked fares.
Officers also noted that Mr. Bajwa failed to wear his taxi driver’s badge and did not display the taxi licence plate on his vehicle, making it indistinguishable from a regular private car.
Legal and Financial Penalties
Mr. Bajwa appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on January 17, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to multiple offences:
- Illegal Plying for Hire: Fined £80.
- Operating Without Insurance: Fined £120.
- Badge and Plate Violations: Two fines of £40 each.
Additional costs included £176 in prosecution fees and a £112 victim surcharge, totaling £568 in financial penalties. The court also endorsed his driving licence with eight penalty points for using a vehicle without valid insurance.
Council’s Efforts to Ensure Safety
Councillor John Ennis, Reading Borough Council's lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, stated:
“This result highlights the tireless work of our licensing officers, conducting covert operations to detect illegal plying for hire in Reading and bringing those who fall foul of the law to prosecution.”
He added:
“Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers are entitled to trust the person driving is properly vetted, authorized, checked, and licensed. Unlicensed drivers undermining that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our night-time economy.”
Guidance for Passengers
To avoid risks, passengers are advised to:
- Check the licence plate at the rear of the car.
- Ensure the driver is wearing their badge.
- Remember that black cabs can be flagged down or hired at taxi ranks, but private hire vehicles must always be pre-booked to ensure proper insurance coverage.
Concerns about taxi services can be reported confidentially to licensing officers via email at [email protected] or by calling the council contact centre at 0118 937 3787.
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