Illegal pick up costs private hire driver hundreds of pounds in costs
A private hire driver has been ordered to pay hundreds of pounds in costs and fines after being found guilty of illegally plying for hire in Milton Keynes.
Mohammad Riza Asadi of Bedford, was found guilty during a trial after denying the allegations.
Asadi, who worked for private hire firm Skyline, and was only insured to pick up pre-booked journeys, accepted a £10 trip from Stony Stratford to Central Milton Keynes in October 2018.
Asadi, who is licensed by Aylesbury Vale District Council, will now have his licence reviewed.
He was found guilty on 21 August 2019, of plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance, MKCitizen first reported.
He was fined £195 for driving without valid insurance, £65 for illegally plying for hire and issued with 6 points on his driving licence.
In addition to the fines, he was also ordered to pay costs of £650 with a victim surcharge of £30. Councillor Mick Legg, Chair of MKC’s Regulatory (Taxi) Committee, said: "For £10 this driver took the risk of breaking the law which has subsequently cost him £940 and put 6 points on his DVLA licence - which will also increase the cost of his vehicle insurance. "Let’s hope this driver has learnt his lesson and all other drivers take note that if they break the law then they will be caught and prosecuted. "I would urge members of the public not to get into private hire vehicles without a prearranged booking through an operator for their own safety. Public safety is our number one priority and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone who puts this at risk."
