Bogus taxi driver banned from driving

A criminal who posed as a cabbie without a licence or insurance has been landed with a hefty fine.

Mohammed Altaf drove a Jo Baxi marked car without the required taxi licence or car insurance, in order to make money, Rochdale Magistrates Court heard.

When the man, who lives in Brimrod, was caught by Rochdale Borough Council, he told them he was having the car serviced for the real owner.

When appearing in court on Wednesday (4 February), he admitted the charges put before him and was subsequently banned from driving, as well as being charged a total of £265.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager said: “There are stringent licensing conditions for drivers of private hire cars because such drivers are in a position of great responsibility to ensure the safe transportation of local people. It is unacceptable for any person to be driving a private hire vehicle without the appropriate licence and insurance”.

Ted Flynn, cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “The ban and fine imposed by Magistrates is a prime example of another successful investigation carried out by the licensing team that has helped remove a bogus driver from our streets. This is an important part of improving community safety for all in the borough.”

The sentence included a £100 fine for driving with a valid private hire licence, £100 fine for driving without insurance, six points on his licence (adding to an existing nine points, resulting in a six month driving ban), and £65 costs.