Private hire driver fined over £1,000 after Council prosecutes driver without valid insurance

A Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver has been successfully prosecuted by Buckinghamshire Council for using a licensed PHV without valid insurance.

An investigation by council officers found that the driver Shahid Mushtaq had changed his vehicle insurance so that he was no longer covered to carry paying passengers despite continuing to work.

Mr Mushtaq pleaded guilty by post and was sentenced on 23 June at Wycombe Magistrates' Court.

The court’s attention was directed to the fact that the offence involved a higher degree of culpability as he was working as a private hire driver at the time and there was evidence of sustained uninsured use. He was fined £440 (reduced from £660 in view of his guilty plea) with costs of £660 awarded to the Council and a victim surcharge payable of £44; a total of £1,144 for which he was given 28 days to pay. Mr Mushtaq also received eight points on his DVLA licence.

Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Regulatory Services, said: “Driving a vehicle without valid insurance is a serious offence. Compliance with road safety laws and the rules for taxi and private hire licensing are essential for keeping the public safe when they are using licensed vehicles.

“Council officers conduct regular inspections and investigations to ensure that drivers comply with the rules. Protecting the public is paramount and we will take all necessary action to ensure that drivers comply with the law and uphold their responsibility to keep passengers safe. Drivers who fail to uphold these standards can expect robust enforcement action.”