A taxi driver has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 for unlawful activity in York.
Zaid Saleem, of Girlington Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, aged 58, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday).
Saleem holds a private hire driver licence with Wolverhampton and Leeds Council, and works for a taxi operator called Drive Private Hire.
Like all private hire drivers, he can only pick up fares pre-booked through the operator.
On 25 May 2024, City of York Council licensing officers took part in one of a number of enforcement operations. This one was to detect private hire drivers who unlawfully take un-booked passengers, and it took place at York Racecourse and in the city centre.
Officers approached Mr Saleem in his private hire vehicle on Clock Tower Way near York Racecourse. They agreed that he would drive them to York railway station for a fare of £10 which breached his licence.
At York Magistrates Court yesterday, Mr Saleem pleaded guilty to the offence of unlawfully plying for hire. The magistrate sentenced him to pay a fine of £90, a surcharge of £36 and costs of £3,200.
Cllr Jenny Kent, environment lead at City of York Council, said: “If an unlicensed driver picks up a customer without a prior and formal booking they are not insured for the journey and are acting illegally.
“It is also important that those drivers who pay for the entitlement and license to pick up fares are protected from being undercut by those who do not.
“We will continue to investigate legitimate complaints and take appropriate legal action. Please report any taxi offences via licensing @york.gov.uk.”
Leeds and Wolverhampton Councils have been informed of the outcome to the case, so that they can review Mr Saleem’s taxi driver license status as a ‘fit and proper’ person.