PLYING OUT-OF-TOWN: Cross border Uber driver caught plying-for-hire in Reading during undercover operation
An out-of-area Uber driver was found guilty of plying-for-hire in Reading during an undercover operation last year.
Muhammad Imran Bajwa, a licensed private hire driver under New Forest District Council, was caught illegally plying for hire during an undercover operation on Oxford Road, Reading, in the early hours of 1 June 2024. While authorised only to accept pre-booked fares, Mr Bajwa agreed to transport licensing officers to Dee Road, Tilehurst, for £15 without a prior booking.
Further investigation revealed he was not displaying his taxi driver’s badge or the vehicle’s licence plate. This lack of identification left his car indistinguishable from a standard private vehicle, raising serious safety concerns.
Appearing before Reading Magistrates’ Court on 17 January 2025, Mr Bajwa, pleaded guilty to multiple offences. These included illegally plying for hire, operating without valid insurance, failing to wear his licence badge, and failing to display his taxi licence plate.
The court imposed financial penalties totalling £568, which included fines, prosecution costs, and a victim surcharge. Mr Bajwa’s driving licence was also endorsed with eight penalty points for driving without insurance.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by Reading Borough Council to ensure the safety of passengers using taxis and private hire vehicles. Residents are urged to use only licensed taxis or pre-booked private hire services to avoid unregulated and potentially unsafe journeys.
Cllr John Ennis, Reading Council Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “This result highlights the tireless work of our licensing officers, conducting covert operations to detect illegal plying for hire in Reading and bringing those who fall foul of the law to prosecution.
“Private Hire and Hackney Carriage customers are entitled to trust the person driving is properly vetted, authorised, checked, and licensed. Unlicensed drivers undermining that trust will be robustly dealt with to maintain public confidence and ensure safety in our nighttime economy.
“Don’t forget, black cabs can be hired at a taxi rank, flagged down, or pre-booked. Private Hire Vehicles cannot be flagged down on the street, these journeys must always be pre-booked for them to be properly insured.
“Before starting your journey, always check the licence plate at the rear of the car and the driver’s badge.
“Any customer with concerns about taxi or private hire drivers can report them, in confidence, to us at licensing@reading.gov.uk or via the Council Contact Centre on 0118 937 3787.”
