Unlicensed Private Hire Driver Completed 543 Trips Illegally

An unlicensed private hire driver in North Lincolnshire completed 543 trips despite having his licence revoked, resulting in legal action. Abdul Musaher, from Bruce Street, Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty at Grimsby Magistrates' Court and was ordered to pay a total of £1,557 in fines and charges. His case follows similar incidents of illegal private hire activity in the area, as seen in a recent report on a Scunthorpe taxi driver fined for illegal journeys and fraud.

Musaher was fined £648 for driving without insurance and required to pay an additional £909. He also received eight penalty points on his driving licence, increasing his total to 17. However, he was not banned from driving due to exceptional circumstances.

Authorities launched an investigation after South Yorkshire Police sought assistance from North Lincolnshire Council in identifying a driver linked to a speed camera offence on the M1 motorway. Licensing officers later confirmed that Musaher had continued operating as a private hire driver despite his licence being revoked in 2021.

Councillor Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for licensing, condemned unlicensed private hire drivers for putting passengers at risk.

Councillor Carl Sherwood stated:

"This irresponsible and illegal behaviour will not be tolerated."

He reassured the public that the council would act against unlicensed activity.

Councillor Carl Sherwood added:

"Licensing will continue to act against unsuitable drivers and unlicensed activity, to ensure that public safety is not compromised."