A TAXI CAB driver from Woodley has been fined more than £700 for illegally plying for hire in Reading.

Muhammad Ibrahim, of Keswick Gardens, Woodley, was found guilty of illegally plying for hire and operating without insurance in March 2020, and was sentenced last month.

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Ibrahim, a licensed taxi driver for South Oxfordshire District Council, agreed to take a fare from a council officer without formal booking in Reading.

He also could not produce his badges when asked at the roadside.

On December 18, Ibrahim was fined £200, and ordered to pay £500 court costs and a £30 victim surcharge. Six points were also added to his driving license.

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Reading Borough Councillor Tony Page, Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “This is an excellent result from the Council’s licensing team who work hard to enforce regulations in place to protect the travelling public.

“Reading’s taxi and private hire drivers are facing an absolutely 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, and every opportunity will be taken to prosecute those who contravene the laws.”