A PAIR of taxi drivers working illegally during Reading Festival have been ordered to pay nearly £2,000.

Mohammed Hussain is an Uber driver licensed by Transport for London.

The 37-year-old was caught illegally plying for hire on the first day of last year's festival.

He was ordered to pay more than £1,500 after admitting he was working illegally.

Sayed Mohamoud is licensed by West Berkshire Council and was also caught by council officers on Friday, August 26.

Paul Gittings, lead member for consumer services, said: "These are two more positive outcomes which uphold regulations that are in place to protect the public.

"I hope these prosecutions serve as a deterrent to drivers who are tempted to work illegally and opportunistically in Reading."

Despite having an application to operate in the town rejected by Reading Borough Council last year, Uber drivers can still pick up Reading customers if they are already in the town after dropping off someone from outside the borough. 

Council officers carried out a host of test purchases during the festival weekend to try and find drivers working illegally.

Hussain, of Elizabeth Way, Basildon, admitted one count of illegally plying for hire at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday, March 10. He was told to pay a £553 fine and costs of £1,000.

Mohamoud, 34, of Richmond Avenue, Thatcham, admitted one count of illegally plying for hier at the same court on the same day. He was ordered to pay a £130 fine and costs of £200.