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Private-hire cabbie lands himself in court for trying to tout for trade on city's streets



A Gedling cabbie ended up in court on Wednesday after city taxi drivers protested that their trade was snatched by unlicensed outsiders.

Private-hire driver Asim Ali was seen parked near a bistro on Barker Gate shortly after midnight on June 27, magistrates in the city heard.

Two plain clothes officers approached and saw an advert for a car hire firm on the side of his vehicle. One asked if he could be taken to Toton. Ali quoted him a fare of £22.

"The officer got into the vehicle and after a short while, told the driver to pull over.

"He had a licence from Gedling Borough Council but was plying for hire in Nottingham city and had no relevant licence for the city," said Richard Bines, prosecuting for the city council.

Ali had no licence to "ply for hire" in the city and could only take people on pre-arranged trips. Officers were also concerned about his insurance cover, added Mr Bines.

The 36-year-old, of Hazelwood Road, Nottingham, was ordered to pay an £80 fine. He pleaded guilty to plying for hire when not licensed as a hackney carriage. As well as the fine, he must pay a £20 government surcharge.

Ali told the court he had "a badge for Gedling" which had now expired. He said: "This is the first time this has happened.

"At this time of the year, we don't have anything. Insurance is very high this year and I can't afford it.

"At the moment, I don't have a job. I am going to go back to security which I have done for the last ten years." He had never been in trouble before and was allowed to pay at £30 monthly.

Presiding magistrate Eric Baker, who sat with two colleagues, said they had taken account of his decision to plead guilty. The council had sought costs of £274 but £100 were granted.

A week before Ali was caught, 400 taxi drivers staged a protest and accused the city council of doing little to stop private hire operators from picking up passengers in the streets of Nottingham.

It brought rush hour chaos to the city for 30 minutes as cabbies drove around the main routes and caused gridlock.

Buses, trams and ambulances were delayed while many commuters were late for work.

The cabbies staged the protest for a second day and said they had made their point and had lost business through the illegal competition.


Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Private-h ... z40QYPHgvg

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