Taxi Driver Online

Taxi driver fined after picking up passenger outside licensed area

https://www.hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hi ... -licensing

A hackney carriage driver has been fined after illegally picking up a passenger in Stoke-on-Trent, outside the area he's licensed to work in.

Dilshad Ahmed picked up a customer from a temporary match day taxi pick-up point at Trentham Lakes on 26th December 2025, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said.

Although he is licensed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, he picked up the passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent.

Hackney carriages can only pick up passengers who hail them on the street, or who join them at a taxi rank, within the area where they're licensed, and cannot ply for hire outside their own licensing district, according to the council.

By picking up the passenger in Stoke-on-Trent, Ahmed was plying for hire outside his licensed district, the council said, which meant his vehicle insurance was invalidated.

He also failed to use his taxi meter, instead charging the customer an upfront fare.

Ahmed, of Buccleuch Road, Longton, appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, where he pleaded guilty.

He was ordered to pay £851.92 in costs to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and his fine was reduced to £250 following his guilty plea.

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "People using taxis should be able to have confidence that they are getting a safe, reliable and professional service.

"We have clear rules in place to protect passengers and ensure licensed drivers operate properly, and we will take action when those rules are not followed.

"This prosecution sends a clear message that drivers must comply with licensing requirements and treat passengers fairly. We will continue to work to protect passengers and maintain confidence in the city's taxi services."

The council said it will continue to take enforcement action against drivers who breach licensing requirements and put passengers at risk.

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IDFIMH

A slightly odd turn of phrase there. I'm having a quiet night on the rank - not many passengers have joined me


Well he was out-of-area