Another counterfeit cabbie is prosecuted after police sting

The sting involved special constables posing as prospective customers of cabbie Muhammed Imran, 32, who was unlawfully plying for hire on Akeman Street in Tring.

Imran, of Queens Park, Aylesbury is licensed as a private hire taxi driver by Aylesbury Vale District Council, accepted the un-booked fare despite regulations stating all fares accepted by private hire taxi drivers must be pre-booked.

As a result, his taxi was not insured for the journey.

Imran was found guilty of the two offences at St Albans Magistrates Court yesterday, despite originally denying the offence by claiming there was a booking.

His defence was not accepted by magistrates and he was ordered to pay a total of £1,737.50 in fines and costs.

He was also given eight penalty points on his driving licence on top of six exisiting points, resulting in a six month driving ban.

Portfolio holder for residents and regulatory services at the borough council Neil Harden said: “I welcome this decision which enforces the strong stance taken by Dacorum Borough Council on this issue.

“I believe this conviction and sentence will send out the message that unlawful plying for hire and driving without insurance will not be tolerated in Dacorum.

“By picking up passengers in this way, the driver’s insurance was invalid, posing a risk to his passengers, other road users and the wider public.”

Imran’s conviction follows the similar prosecution of another Aylesbury-licensed cabbie who unlawfully accepted an unbooked fare from posing policemen in December.

When using taxi transport make sure you have either pre-booked a cab or use a Hackney carriage licenced for operation in Dacorum Borough.

For more information visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/licensing