Pretty bog standard plying for hire prosecution, but at least it's not Milton Keynes
But it states that the undercover officer 'flagged down' the PHV - think stings of this kind normally target PHVs which are plying for hire while stationary?
Taxi driver broke law telling undercover officer: 'No problem, jump in'
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/tees ... g-16650823
Meharban Hussain admitted 'plying for hire' when he didn't hold a Hackney Carriage licence as well as driving without insurance
A Middlesbrough taxi driver unknowingly picked up an undercover official after being flagged down in Acklam Road - when he wasn't licensed to do so.
The man has now appeared in court and been fined for collecting and driving the illegal fare.
All taxi drivers are required to apply for different licences depending on how they intend to work.
A private hire driver can only pick up pre-booked fares - while Hackney Carriage drivers are the type that can be hailed from the street.
Drivers who want to operate as both as a private hire vehicle and as a Hackney Carriage need to hold both licences.
On Tuesday at Teesside Magistrates' Court, Meharban Hussain admitted "plying for hire" when he didn't hold a Hackney Carriage licence as well as driving without insurance.
The court was told of the operation by Middlesbrough Council's licensing officers on January 12 this year, when Hussain's vehicle was flagged down on Acklam Road.
The officers asked the driver if he could take them to Middlesbrough town centre, and he agreed saying "no problem, jump in" before charging a £6 fare at the destination.
When interviewed, Hussain admitted that the journey wasn't pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator.
On top of that, because Hussain had broken the rules of his licence, his motor insurance was effectively invalidated resulting in a separate charge of driving without the correct insurance.
The 49-year-old, of Abingdon Road, Middlesbrough town centre, was given six penalty points on his licence, fined £136 with £437 costs and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30.
Cllr Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for culture and communities, said: "The safety and welfare of the taxi travelling public is of paramount importance, and that's why it's imperative that all operators, vehicles and drivers are properly licensed and operate within the law.
"This case is an example of the robust enforcement action we will take against those who put passengers at risk by flouting the law."