Council reiterates importance of travelling safely after taxi driver caught operating illegally

The Council's Licensing team reminds residents how to catch a taxi safely after officers caught another unlicensed driver plying for hire in the town centre.

Mr Muhammad Imran Bajwa, licensed by New Forest District Council as an Uber Driver, was only licenced to accept pre-booked fares. In the early hours of 1 June 2024, licensing officers approached him in an undercover operation on Oxford Road, Reading. He agreed to take them to Dee Road, Tilehurst, for a fare of £15 without the required prior booking.

Mr Bajwa was not wearing his taxi driver’s badge and he had not attached the taxi licence plate to his car, causing his vehicle to look the same as any ordinary private car.

Appearing at Reading Magistrates Court on 17 January 2025, Mr Bajwa of Kenavon Drive, Reading, pleaded guilty to illegally plying for hire, and operating without the correct insurance. The court levied fines of £80 and £120 respectively, a reduced sum due to Pleading guilty at the first hearing.

Two further fines of £40 each were ordered for failing to wear his licence badge and failing to exhibit his licence plate. Prosecution costs of £176 and a victim surcharge of £112 will also be paid, bringing the full financial penalties to £568.

The court also endorsed Mr Bajwa’s driving licence with eight penalty points for using a motor vehicle without valid insurance.

Residents are reminded that black cabs can be hired at a taxi rank, flagged down, or pre-booked. Private Hire Vehicles cannot be flagged down on the street; to be properly insured, these journeys must always be pre-booked.

Before starting your journey, always check the licence plate and driver's badge at the rear of the car.

Any customer with concerns about taxi or private hire drivers can report them, in confidence, at licensing@reading.gov.uk or via the Council Contact Centre on 0118 937 3787.