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CAUGHT RED HANDED: Taxi driver fined after picking up passenger from Stoke-on-Trent rank outside licensed area
A hackney carriage driver has been fined after picking up a passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent, outside the area where his vehicle was licensed to operate.
Dilshad Ahmed, who is licensed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, picked up a customer from a temporary match-day taxi pick-up point at Trentham Lakes on 26 December 2025.
Hackney carriages may accept street hails or pick up passengers from taxi ranks only within the district where they are licensed. By taking a passenger from the Stoke-on-Trent rank, Ahmed was found to have been plying for hire outside his licensed area.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the breach also invalidated the vehicle’s insurance. Ahmed was additionally found to have charged the passenger an upfront fare instead of using the taxi meter.
Ahmed appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre and pleaded guilty.
He was fined £325 and ordered to pay £851.92 in costs to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The fine was reduced to £250 following his guilty plea.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “People using taxis should be able to have confidence that they are getting a safe, reliable and professional service.
“We have clear rules in place to protect passengers and ensure licensed drivers operate properly, and we will take action when those rules are not followed.
“This prosecution sends a clear message that drivers must comply with licensing requirements and treat passengers fairly. We will continue to work to protect passengers and maintain confidence in the city’s taxi services.”
