Minicab driver fined for illegally touting for trade outside Old Trafford Gurjat Singh was caught in an undercover crackdown near the Man United ground
A private hire driver has been fined after being caught illegally touting for trade outside Old Trafford.
Gurjit Singh was caught during a match day crackdown near the Manchester United ground after the club played against Crystal Palace.
He had parked his minicab on Chester Road when he was approached by two undercover Trafford Council officers posing as customers after the game.
After confirming he was free to take a fare, Mr Singh confirmed a price of £15 to take them to Piccadilly train station.
But as a private hire driver he was only licensed and insured to pick up customers who had pre-booked.
Mr Singh appeared at Sale Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to two charges relating to picking up a fare without a booking and driving without insurance.
He was fined £400 for each offence and ordered to pay £160 towards costs and a victim surcharge of £40. He was also given six points on his licence.
John Reilly, Trafford Council’s executive member for environment and operations, said: “I welcome this decision of the court, which endorses the strong stance the council takes on this issue.
“The law is clear on the difference between a Hackney Carriage, which can be hailed in the street, and a private hire vehicle, which must be pre-booked.
“By picking up customers in this way, any private hire drivers invalidate their insurance, putting customers at risk.”
The undercover operation was carried out on November 8 last year as part of a series of crackdowns being mounted this season.
It comes after tip-offs to the council about what it describes as ‘widespread abuse of the legal controls’.
source:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... ng-8528954
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