CAUGHT RED HANDED: Out-of-area taxi driver fined for illegally plying for hire in Reading
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 6
A Bracknell-licensed taxi driver has been fined nearly £750 after admitting to illegally plying for hire in Reading town centre.
Asghar Ali, of Willow Drive, Bracknell, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 20 June 2025, where he pleaded guilty to two offences. The court heard how Ali accepted a fare on 4 December 2024 during a test purchase operation carried out by Reading Borough Council licensing officers.
Officers approached Ali’s vehicle, which was stationary on Friar Street. He agreed to take them to an address in Wokingham for a cash fare of £35, despite not having a prior booking. As a licensed Hackney Carriage driver in Bracknell, Ali is only permitted to pick up passengers without a booking within that borough. Accepting a fare in Reading fell outside his licensed area, making the journey unlawful and invalidating his insurance.
Magistrates noted Ali’s cooperation and early guilty plea. He was fined £392 for using a vehicle without insurance and given eight penalty points on his driving licence. No separate penalty was imposed for plying for hire. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £157 and £200 towards prosecution costs.
The offences were recorded under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Section 45 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “Thanks to the proactive work of Reading’s Licensing team, another driver operating unlawfully has been successfully prosecuted.
“Illegal plying for hire will not be tolerated in Reading. We will continue to take firm action against any driver who disregards the rules, maintaining the integrity of licensed taxi services in Reading and ensuring that residents and visitors can travel with confidence and peace of mind.”
