A Gedling taxi driver has been convicted of plying for hire and having no vehicle insurance after a trial.
Tahir Zia, of Aspley, picked up a disabled gentleman and his son from outside the QMC on April 15, 2015. Being licensed by Gedling Borough Council at the time, this pick up was unlawful as it was outside the Gedling Boundary and not pre-booked.
When Mr Zia dropped the men off in Gedling, he charged them £30 for the journey which should’ve cost around £15, the court heard. An investigation started when the member of the public made a complaint about the fare.
At trial Mr Zia denied it was him that picked up the passengers, despite the member of the public recording his license plate and giving a description matching his vehicle. The registration was traced by Gedling Borough Council’s Licensing Team, who confirmed that Mr Zia was the owner and a Gedling licensed driver.
Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Cllr David Ellis said: “Nearly all of the taxi drivers we license operate within the law and do a good job; but where we find drivers breaking the law and putting the public at risk we will take action. Thank you to our Licensing Department for their part in the investigation and the member of public for contacting us. If you spot something wrong with a taxi we license, call 0115 901 3971.”
On February 11, 2016 the Magistrates found Mr Zia guilty of both offences – he will be sentenced on March 30 2016.
