Uber driver ordered to pay over £700 after being found guilty of illegally plying for hire in Essex

An Uber driver who was caught illegally plying for hire in Basildon has received a fine of £462, along with a victim surcharge of £46 and costs of £200. He was also given six penalty points on his driving licence.

Mr Philip Ogunoye, 49, was caught during a joint operation by Basildon’s council’s licensing team and Essex police who have set out a strict plan to crackdown on ‘illegal ply for hire’ by private hire drivers who are only permitted to pick up pre-booked fares.

As first reported by Basildon Council, Councillor peter Holliman, chairman of Basildon Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “this success in combating illegal plying for hire is good news for public safety.

“Drivers who are not permitted by their licence to ply for hire, put the public at risk because it invalidates the vehicles insurance.”

Basildon Council, along with Essex Police, regularly patrol the borough monitoring the cab trade and also track other operators such as ride-hailing firm Uber.

The case was heard at Basildon Magistrates Court on Monday January 7.