Two Fined, One Banned for Illegal Taxis

Reading Council’s licensing team has successfully prosecuted two out-of-area private hire drivers for operating illegally in the town. In November 2024, Council licensing officers carried out a covert test purchasing operation outside the Grosvenor Casino on Queens Road.

During the operation, Southampton-licensed driver Mr Shafqat Ali, 42, of Faringdon Road, agreed to take an officer to Wokingham for £60 without a prior booking, approximately double the typical fare when booked through a licensed operator. Mr Ali was found guilty of the offences of Plying for Hire and using a motor vehicle without insurance at Reading Magistrates Court on 1 May 2026.

Mr Ali was fined £180 and ordered to pay £500 in costs, as well as a surcharge of £72. Magistrates also endorsed Mr Ali’s driving licence with eight penalty points, resulting in a six-month driving ban. In a separate operation in June 2025, licensing officers approached Mr Amit Malik, a private hire driver, who agreed to take them on a journey without a prior booking, this time to Market Place in Wokingham for a fare of £35.

Mr Malik was fined £225 for the offence of plying for hire, and £594 for using a motor vehicle without insurance. He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £328 and a contribution of £1640 towards costs. His licence was also endorsed with 8 Penalty Points.

Public safety and confidence in regulated and licensed taxis is of paramount importance. Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers are entitled to trust the person driving is properly vetted, authorised, checked, and licensed. Unlicensed drivers who undermine that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our nighttime economy.

said Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport.

Any customer who has any concerns about taxi or private hire drivers can report them in confidence to licensing@reading.gov.uk or through the Council Contact Centre on 0118 937 3787.

Source: Reading Borough Council