A SOUTHAMPTON City Council licensed Uber driver has been hit with legal costs of almost £3,000 after illegally picking up £6 fares in Reading.

Muhamad Ismail Mahumuthu Atham, of Kingsgate Street, Reading, was ordered to pay legal costs of £2,865 to the council after being found guilty at Reading Magistrates' Court in November 2020.

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The 48-year-old was caught by two council officers on Church Street, Caversham, on Sunday, March 17, 2019 in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Atham was seen picking up two passengers outside Mo’s Kebab Van.

The officers approached his vehicle and stopped him from leaving with the passengers.

Mr Atham appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 9, 2020, where he was found guilty and sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge.

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Cllr Tony Page, Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “Regulations exist to protect the travelling public and I am delighted that they are being enforced by our officers.

“Reading’s taxi and private hire drivers are facing a dismal time at present, with very low levels of business in the town.

“I hope that this judgement will deter any drivers thinking of working illegally in Reading, as such activity will not be tolerated.”