Covert Operation Catches Unlicensed Taxi Driver at Reading Festival

A Transport for London (TfL) private hire driver has been fined a total of £1,603 for illegally picking up passengers during Reading Festival 2024. Hammad Ashraf Khan Manj, of Railway Terrace, Slough, was caught in a joint operation by Reading, Fareham, and South Oxfordshire Councils' licensing officers. The operation aimed to detect and prevent illegal taxi activity during the festival, which attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. Similar enforcement efforts have taken place in the area, including when an Uber driver was fined £568 for illegal taxi operations in Reading.

Covert Operation and Offence

On the night of August 23, 2024, undercover officers approached Mr Manj's vehicle on Tessa Road. Although licensed by TfL, he was only permitted to accept pre-booked fares within London. However, he agreed to transport the officers to Slough railway station for £35 without a prior booking. This act, known as Plying for Hire, is illegal and poses risks to passenger safety.

Court Ruling and Financial Penalties

Initially, Mr Manj denied wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty to Plying for Hire on February 7, 2025, at Reading Magistrates' Court. As a result, he was ordered to pay:

• £576 fine for the offence
• £800 prosecution costs
• £230 victim surcharge

Official Response

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, stated:

"This is a positive result thanks to the joint efforts of Reading Licensing officers in partnership with our colleagues in Fareham and South Oxfordshire."

He further emphasized that partnership operations are crucial to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining high standards in the private hire industry.