Restaurant owner ran unlicensed taxi service A takeaway owner has been fined after he was caught running an unlicensed taxi service from his restaurant.
Mohammad Abdul Hoque admitted providing unofficial taxis to customers at Longton Tandoori in Liverpool Road, Longton, near Preston.
He was caught in a joint undercover operation by Lancashire Police and South Ribble Council last October, after they received complaints about the illegal activity.
Hoque, of Brixton Road, Preston, pleaded guilty at South Ribble Magistrates’ Court to using an unlicensed private hire vehicle in the early hours of October 20, 2012.
The court heard the defendant drove an Audi A4 from the restaurant to Fensway, Hutton, near Preston.
Hoque was fined £165 and ordered to pay £150 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
All taxis and private hire vehicles that carry up to eight passengers must be licensed by the council and all drivers of taxis must also be licensed.
Coun John Rainsbury, chairman of South Ribble Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “We take this issue very seriously and will do everything we possibly can to ensure passenger safety and stand up for South Ribble’s law-abiding taxi drivers.
“Taxi licensing laws are in place for good reasons to protect the public and ensure their safety. If you are involved in an accident and the taxi vehicle and driver are not licensed, you might not be insured.
“Rogue taxis can also undermine the licensed taxi trade by taking business, undercutting costs and eroding customer confidence.”
He said people including genuine taxi operators could help the council prevent the crime by calling 01772 625625 if they see or suspect any unlicensed taxi activities.
source:
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/local/restaur ... -1-5609765
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