Three Rivers District private hire driver fined and licence revoked for mobile use on the M25
A private hire taxi driver from Three Rivers has had his licence revoked after being caught using his mobile phone while driving on the M25.
The incident, which resulted in both a fine and the revocation of his licence, highlights the strict enforcement of road safety laws within the district.
Surrey Police's Road Safety Team reported the infraction after stopping Mr Sajid Mahmood on the M25 during Operation Tramline on Friday 7 July 2023. At the time, Mahmood was enroute to Gatwick Airport with a fare-paying passenger.
Following the stop, Mahmood was handed a fixed penalty notice, which included six penalty points on his licence and a £200 fine. The severity of the offence led to the immediate revocation of his private hire licence by Three Rivers District Council.
Despite an appeal against this decision, St Albans Magistrates' Court sided with the council on Monday 12 February 2024. Testimonies from Mrs Lorna Fryer, the council's lead licensing officer, and Mr Mahmood himself were considered before the magistrates upheld the revocation. They cited the clear danger posed to both the driver and the public by his actions as the basis for their decision.
In addition to losing his licence, Mr Mahmood has been ordered to cover the council's legal costs amounting to £1,200. The revocation, effective from 14 July 2023, bars him from reapplying for a new licence for a minimum of four years.
Cllr Sarah Nemes, the Leader of the Three Rivers District Council, said: “Since a change in the law in 2022 it is now illegal for any individual including all professional licensed drivers to use a mobile device whilst driving, in doing so Mr Mahmood has endangered the lives of his passengers and the general public. Let this be a stark reminder to all licensed drivers that offences of such a serious nature are dealt with robustly and any driver that breaks the law runs the risk of losing their licence and their livelihood.
“All drivers licensed by Three Rivers District Council are expected to act with integrity, to demonstrate conduct befitting the trust that is placed in them and to ensure the safety of their passengers at all times. By using his mobile phone whilst driving Mr Mahmood has shown a blatant disregard to the law and to the safety of his passengers and the general public.”
