PLYING-FOR-HIRE: Salford private hire driver fined for illegal pick-up after Bolton concert
A Salford-licensed private hire driver has been fined after admitting to illegally picking up passengers without a booking.
Mr Arif Mohammad pleaded guilty at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by Salford City Council’s Licensing Service. The case stemmed from a complaint made by a passenger who reported being overcharged after a concert at Bolton Stadium.
The passenger approached Mr Mohammad’s private hire vehicle and requested a journey to a hotel for herself and three others. Mr Mohammad agreed to take them without a booking through a licensed private hire operator. This is a breach of private hire regulations, which require all journeys to be pre-booked to ensure insurance validity.
During an interview, Mr Mohammad admitted his actions, calling them a “big mistake” and expressing regret.
Salford City Council takes breaches of taxi and private hire regulations seriously, particularly offences involving illegal pick-ups. Such violations can lead to a driver’s licence being suspended, revoked or refused upon renewal.
Mr Mohammad was fined £400, ordered to pay £1,200 in costs and given a £160 victim surcharge. The offence was prosecuted under the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847.
Salford City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe and high-quality taxi and private hire services. Licensing officers continue to work with drivers while taking enforcement action where necessary.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Salford City Council's Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety said: “Taxi and private hire services are an important part of the transport network, and we thank all of our licensees that operate to a safe and high standard. Drivers have a duty to operate in accordance with the law and the conditions of their licence and the authority will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary. As a reminder, a private hire vehicle must always be booked through a
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