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Manchester licensed cabbie hit with fine and penalty points after undercover officer catches illegal Trafford pick-up
A Manchester-licensed Hackney Carriage driver received eight penalty points and a £120 fine after accepting a fare in Trafford without the required local licence or insurance.
Zubair Akram, 43, pleaded guilty to illegal plying for hire and driving without insurance after taking a fare from an undercover Trafford Council licensing enforcement officer.
Akram had been waiting in his Hackney Carriage outside Hotel Football, near Old Trafford, on the evening of Monday 24 November last year, when Manchester United played Everton at home. He told the prospective passengers a journey to Manchester city centre was “gonna be expensive” before setting off.
The enforcement officer then identified themselves and asked Akram to pull over.
Trafford Council said only Hackney Carriage drivers licensed by the borough are permitted to pick up fares there. By accepting the fare, Akram was uninsured for the journey, the council said, potentially putting passengers at risk.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court imposed eight penalty points on Akram’s driving licence. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £200 in costs.
Trafford Council’s executive member for community safety and civil contingencies, Councillor Keleigh Glenton, said: “This case highlights our continued determination to crack down on illegal taxi activity whenever it occurs.
“The vast majority of drivers comply with the rules. Those who seek an unfair advantage by operating outside the law will be held accountable. Thanks to our proactive Licensing Enforcement Team for bringing this case to court.”
