Legal News

An illegal taxi driver from Stockton-on-Tees has been prosecuted for driving a private hire vehicle without a licence and for driving without insurance.

Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard that Zulfikar Ali, 35, of Yarm Road in Stockton was seen driving a private hire vehicle in Stockton Borough on 10 June 2015.

When subsequently questioned by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Licensing Officers, it became clear that Ali did not have a private hire driver’s licence and was therefore not authorised to drive private hire vehicles.

He was also found not to have the appropriate insurance.

In court, Ali pleaded guilty to one offence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 – and not guilty to one offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Ali was ordered to pay a total of £2,141.50 in fines and costs after being convicted of both offences.

The court fined him £485 for each offence, £1,123 in costs and a £48.50 victim surcharge. Ali also received six penalty points on his DVLA driving licence for the insurance offence.

In mitigation, Ali’s defence lawyer told the court his client believed he was covered under his own insurance policy.

After the hearing, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, Councillor Steve Nelson said:

“We have a reputable taxi trade across Stockton Borough – however, this case is a clear reminder that it is illegal for any person to drive a private hire vehicle without first being licensed by the local authority.

“In the majority of cases, a vehicle will also not be insured during any journey undertaken by an unlicensed driver – and for this reason our officers work proactively to stamp out this practice and keep our residents safe.

“Drivers who may be tempted to drive private hire vehicles without first being licensed should be warned that they will face tough penalties.”

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors

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