Unlicensed Taxi Driver Fined.

Following an investigation by the Public Protection Partnership (PPP), Mr Arshad Khaliq, 46 years old, of Martin Road, Slough, Berkshire, was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 13th April 2018 after pleading guilty to 3 offences of plying for hire, driving or standing on a taxi rank with an unlicensed vehicle contrary to section 45 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (as amended by subsequent legislation).

Mr Khaliq received a fine of £1,125 and was ordered to pay a contribution towards the Council’s costs of £1,500 plus a Victim Surcharge of £37 giving a grand total of £2,662.

Mr Khaliq had been caught working and parked on a taxi rank in Newbury using a vehicle for which the licence had expired on the 13th July 2017. He was caught three times between the end of July and beginning of August 2017. The vehicle also failed to display correct livery for the vehicle.

Steve Loudoun, Chairman of the Public Protection Management Board, said: “The convictions followed an investigation conducted by the PPP Licensing and Response teams, Joint Case Management Unit and West Berkshire Legal Services. We believe this prosecution sends a strong message to would-be perpetrators. The PPP will always investigate matters of this nature and where appropriate legal action will follow. Any Bracknell, West Berkshire or Wokingham resident that has concerns about activity of this nature, or any other licensing or public protection matter, should contact the service on 01635 519 184 or via email on [email protected].”

The Public Protection Partnership is a shared service of Bracknell Forest Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council and delivers environmental health, licensing and trading standards functions.

For further information contact Claire Lockwood, Lead Officer-Community Engagement at West Berkshire Council (01635) 519507 or email [email protected]