Taxi driver prosecuted for illegally plying for hire in Newport
A taxi driver from Wellington was sentenced at Telford Magistrates Court last week after being caught illegally plying for hire.
Abdul Rahoof was caught in Newport by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Licensing Officers after accepting an un-booked fare when approached by police special constables posing as prospective customers as part of a joint undercover operation.
He pleaded guilty to plying for hire, following the successful prosecution by Telford & Wrekin Council. He was ordered by the Court to pay a total of £964.98 in fines and costs.
Liz Noakes, Assistant Director for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection, said: “These operations are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that taxis operating in Telford and Wrekin comply with the law and are properly insured.
“This is a matter of public safety and members of the public are extremely vulnerable if they ‘flag down’ a private hire vehicle which can only accept pre-booked journeys.
“We urge anyone in the borough taking a taxi to use one that is pre-booked or is a Hackney carriage licensed by Telford & Wrekin Council.
“We will continue to crack down on unsafe taxi and private hire vehicles, and we encourage members of the public to report illegal activity to us. We can use this information to help determine our enforcement activities.”
