FIT AND PROPER


NEWCASTLE PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER HIT WITH £800 BILL FOR ILLEGAL PLYING IN COUNTY DURHAM


A PH driver from Newcastle has been caught illegally soliciting fares during a test operation by Durham County Council in Chester-le-Street. Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard that two council officers approached Babar Shahzad’s vehicle and requested a journey. Shahzad transported the officers


for £10 cash without verifying if a prior booking had been made. The transaction was recorded using surveillance equipment. Newcastle City Council confirmed that Shahzad’s vehicle was licensed with them as a PHV, with Shahzad himself being the licence holder. Subsequent checks revealed that the vehicle’s


insurance only covered pre-booked private hire journeys. At Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, Shahzad was found guilty of plying for hire without a hackney carriage licence and driving without the appropriate insurance. He received 8 points on his driving licence, was ordered to pay a £200 fine, £555 costs, and £80 victim surcharge.


TWO NORTH AYRSHIRE TAXI DRIVERS WARNED FOR SMOKING IN CABS


Two taxi drivers in North Ayrshire have been cautioned by


the


council’s licensing committee for smoking in their vehicles. Graham Brown, a driver licensed since 2008, was seen by civic licensing standards officer, Drew Robertson, smoking in his Skoda at an petrol station in March. Robertson stated: “Mr Brown failed


to adhere to licensing conditions on smoking policy...He offered no explanation and appeared clearly aware of policy.” Brown admitted to the infraction, explaining: “It was really cold, I usually do not smoke in the car...There is no excuse for it.” Daniel Stewart also faced the committee for smoking in his taxi


in March. He apologised for the breach, attributing it to “com- placency,” adding: “I can assure you that it won’t happen again.” Cllr Christina Larsen proposed a warning letter for both drivers which was unanimously agreed by the committee, emphasising such behaviour was “not acceptable” nor was “complacency.”


UNLICENSED TAXI DRIVER OPERATED IN CHICHESTER FOR TWO YEARS CLAIMS LOCAL FIRM


An unlicensed taxi driver has been operating in Chichester for two years, councillors have been told. During a meeting of the cabinet on 13 May, members discussed plans to increase taxi licence fees and sought views from drivers and operators across the district. A letter from Starline Sussex, questioned a statement from a licensing committee report which said that ‘promoting public safety and protecting the travelling public’ was a priority.


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Starline said it had been reporting an ‘unlicensed, uninsured’ driver working in the area for the past two years – even booking a ride to prove he was operating as a taxi. Starline also said that the driver was charging ‘far lower’ fares than licensed firms, suggesting that ‘by not paying the fees of a licensed driver, he can afford to do so’. Jonathan Brown, deputy leader of the council, asked if any enforcement action had been taken against the driver and was


told by the council’s licensing manager: “That matter was investigated by the team and Sussex Police and the matter has now concluded. The individual has been advised as to the proper course of action to become licensed.” When asked for more information, a council spokesman said: “We cannot comment on this case as the individual concerned has recently lodged an application with this licensing authority which will be considered in due course.


JUNE 2025 PHTM


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