A hackney carriage driver has been prosecuted after illegally picking up a passenger in Stoke-on-Trent on 26 December 2025.
Dilshad Ahmed, licensed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, collected a customer from a temporary match day taxi pick-up point at Trentham Lakes. Despite his licensing being with Newcastle-under-Lyme, he picked up a passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent.
Why This Was an Offence
Hackney carriages can only pick up passengers who hail them on the street or join them at a taxi rank within the area where they are licensed. By picking up a passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent, Mr Ahmed was plying for hire outside his licensed district, which is an offence. His vehicle insurance was invalidated as a result.
Mr Ahmed also failed to use his taxi meter, instead charging the customer an upfront fare.
Court Outcome
Mr Ahmed, of Buccleuch Road, Longton, appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, where he pleaded guilty. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay £851.92 in costs to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "People using taxis should be able to have confidence that they are getting a safe, reliable and professional service. We have clear rules in place to protect passengers and ensure licensed drivers operate properly, and we will take action when those rules are not followed. This prosecution sends a clear message that drivers must comply with licensing requirements and treat passengers fairly."
Stoke-on-Trent City Council will continue to take enforcement action against drivers who breach licensing requirements.