Taxi Driver Online

Taxi driver caught offering airport rides after undercover sting

A Reading taxi driver has been slapped with a £370 fine and six points on his driving licence for breaking trade regulations. Patrik Lesko, 41, of Collis Street, Katesgrove, was given the fine at Reading Magistrates Court on Friday, July 21.

Reading Borough Council officers were made aware, back in August 2016, of a man offering airport taxi services on Facebook in Slovakian. A joint investigation was launched by council licencing officers and Thames Vallley Police . In a test booking made on Thursday, February 9 Mr Lesko was found to be illegally plying for hire, operating a vehicle without the required licence, and failing to hold the correct insurance.

Private taxis are not allowed to 'ply for hire'. Under existing regulations, private hire vehicles can only pick up passengers if pre booked, rather than from a rank or in response to being hailed. Mr Lesko was fined £370 and had to pay legal costs of £100.

Councillor Sarah Hacker, lead member for consumer services, said: "I hope that the outcome of this case serves as a warning to those who are tempted to unlawfully ply for hire in Reading. People need to be reassured that the taxis that they are using are safe, and without the correct licence and insurance, the passenger could be at risk. These rules are in place to protect the public."

Test bookings and spot checks are made to protect the public by making sure regulations are adhered too.

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IDFIMH

probably as up here offering ph services in a private car and only advertising to fellow nationals who would use him to support a fellow national

100's doing it in lincolnshire

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Taxis Are Public Transport too

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Was this chap licensed in any shape or form? If not, why is he being called a taxi driver?

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The council licensing officers and the police, made a test booking on Feb 9th, doesn't this count as a pre-booking?

How do you ply for hire, or hail a taxi on Facebook, rather than off the street/rank?

It does, but I'm guessing the council are taking the view those Uber vehicles didn't have a proper license to accept and/or undertake the booking.

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IDFIMH