Taxi Driver Online

Uber driver gets criminal record after being caught illegally picking up fare in taxi sting

A private hire Uber driver was caught out illegally picking up a fare in a sting set up by two rival taxi drivers, a court heard. One driver posed as a customer in the historic city of York to flag down the Leeds-based Uber cab - even though private hire cars can only take pre-booked fares. A second driver filmed the incident on his dashcam before providing evidence to City of York Council.

Now the Uber driver, Rehan Farooq, has a criminal record and may face losing his private hire licence as a result of what happened on August 20 in the North Yorkshire city, the court heard.Farooq, who was prosecuted by the City of York, told the magistrates: "The guy approached me, I thought I would take him - it was a stupid mistake. I am very sorry."

The Leeds driver pleaded guilty to operating as a taxi driver without a hackney carriage licence and driving without taxi driver's insurance. He now has a criminal record and may face losing his private hire licence as a result of the sting operation on August 20 last year. The defendant's vehicle was registered to Farooq was officially licensed to operate as a private hire driver by Leeds City Council.

But the West Yorkshire authority say they are yet to decide if it will take action regarding Farooq's licence, the court heard. He was also fined £200 plus a £30 statutory surcharge plus £608.34 prosecution costs and six penalty points were put on his licence.

Uber spokesperson said: "All private hire trips in the UK must be pre-booked. “Uber has a zero tolerance policy and any driver found picking up unbooked trips or street hails will permanently lose access to the app and risks losing their private hire licence.

“It's important that people only use a properly booked car and with Uber you will always see the driver’s name, photo and registration number so you can be sure it's the right one."

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IDFIMH

Ah York

but i'm surprised it was allowed as I am always told that councils and police will dismiss complaints etc. from other drivers as being commercially motivated

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

They cannot dismiss at will someone who is breaking the LAW.