A taxi driver who offered illegal rides at Henley Regatta has received a driving ban and hefty fine after being prosecuted by the district council.
Arshed Abdul Aziz, 67, of Woodley near Reading, faced Oxford Magistrates' Court on Friday (December 12) where he pleaded guilty to unlawfully plying for hire in Henley on July 5 this year.
He also pleaded guilty to charges of failing to have the required motor insurance and failing to wear his council issued driving badge.
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Aziz was caught by officers from South Oxfordshire District Council carrying out checks at Henley Regatta for illegal taxi rides this summer when he was spotted with an illuminated taxi roof sign.
They undertook a test purchase when the driver quoted an inflated fare and later admitted he had no booking in Henley.
Subsequent investigations by the officers revealed he was not insured and was not licensed to pick up passengers without a booking in South Oxfordshire.
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Magistrates ordered Aziz to pay a £336 fine, a victim surcharge of £96 and prosecution costs of £935 – bringing the total penalty to £1,271.
He was also banned from driving for six months and referred to his local licensing authority for them to take any further action in respect of his licences.
Georgina Heritage, cabinet member for communities, said: "Henley Regatta attracts thousands of visitors each year and their safety is our top priority.
"Unlawful taxi activity puts passengers at serious risk – journeys are untraceable, uninsured and often overpriced.
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"We will not tolerate illegal taxis plying for hire in South Oxfordshire and will take robust action to protect the public.”
Drivers licensed outside South Oxfordshire can only pick up passengers in the district with a prior booking.
"Anyone caught touting for business or accepting walk-up fares may be prosecuted and risk a £2,500 fine, a driving ban and the revocation of their licence," a spokesperson said.
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