Taxi Driver Online

Unlicensed 'taxi' driver fined thousands for working during Cheltenham Gold Cup week


A driver without a license using an unlicensed vehicle has been prosecuted by Cheltenham Borough Council for working as a taxi driver during the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup week.

On Friday 13 March 2015 Mr Tanvir Shafiq, who is from Gloucester, was observed by Cheltenham and Gloucester Licensing Enforcement Officers plying for hire in a black BMW 5 series hire car in Cheltenham. Throughout the night he was observed outside the Moon Under Water public house on Bath Road and also on the promenade opposite Yo Sushi picking up passengers. Investigations revealed that none of these journeys were booked in advance as would have been the requirement in law.

Mr Shafiq pleaded not guilty in the Magistrates' Court on Monday 7 September and the case was therefore committed to trial.

The trial hearing took place on Monday 16 November 2015. After hearing the evidence presented by the council, the Magistrates found Mr Shafiq guilty of all the charges brought against him. The Magistrates' commented that they could not find Mr Shafiq's explanation for the events of that evening credible.

Mr Shafiq was fined for each of the two offences of unlawful plying for hire, given 6 points on his DVLA licence for having no insurance, and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge. In total, Mr Shafiq was ordered to pay more than £2,500 which included council costs.

Mr Shafiq's prosecution follows the successful prosecution in October of a Gloucester City Council Licensed Private Hire driver for plying for hire during Cheltenham Gold Cup Race week.

Councillor Andy McKinlay, Cabinet member for Development and Safety, said: "The council will continue to pursue unlicensed drivers and vehicles that unlawfully ply their trade in the borough because this unlawful activity puts public safety at risk and undermines the legitimate licensed trade.

"This latest prosecution should send a clear message that the council will always take enforcement action where there is evidence of unlicensed activity."

Sarah Hughes, licensing enforcement officer, added: "This prosecution highlights the success of partnership working with our colleagues from other local authorities, in particular Gloucester City Council who supported us during this busy race week. It also gives a warning to drivers who wish to capitalise on the additional footfall to Cheltenham during Gold Cup week that we will take action should they operate unlawfully. The public should be made aware that should they get into a vehicle not operating lawfully, they will not be covered by insurance in the event of an accident. We therefore ask that the public, when visiting Cheltenham, ensure that they make certain the vehicle in which they get into is a licensed vehicle, either by pre-booking a private hire vehicle in advance through an operator or by taking a journey with a Cheltenham licensed hackney carriage vehicle. We will continue to put additional resources out during major races to monitor such activity."

Councillor Jennie Dallimore, Cabinet member for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, commented: "This highlights partnership working at its best and I am very pleased to hear of the successful prosecution. Public safety is paramount and this sends out a strong message that if any offences are witnessed, then enforcement action will be taken."


Read more: http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Un ... z3rqXWfFmi

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