Taxi Driver Online

Slightly confusing this - assumed he was Luton-badged and plated, so wondered why he'd sit on a rank with expired licences, and in another area.

But presumably he was previously badged and plated by the Central Beds Council, which was where he was caught ranking up, although it doesn't actually say

So presumably he just lives in Luton, but was previously licensed by Central Beds Council, where he was caught plying for hire

Police seized his vehicle twice


Heavy fine for unlicensed Luton taxi driver

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/peopl ... er-4082958

A Luton man has been heavily fined after being caught driving an unlicensed and and uninsured taxi.

Mohammed Saleem of John Street, Luton, was found guilty at Luton Magistrates Court on March 21 of illegally driving a previously licensed hackney carriage vehicle without the required taxi driver’s badge. He was also found guilty of driving without appropriate insurance.

The court heard how Central Bedfordshire Council’s Taxi Licensing Team received information and photos of a previously licenced hackney carriage parked on the West Street taxi rank in Dunstable.

Bedfordshire Police were informed about the vehicle being used as an unlicensed taxi and pulled it over twice in August 2022. On both occasions, they seized the vehicle as the driver was unable to produce valid insurance.

Saleem was given two opportunities to attend a police interview under caution, but did not respond.

In his absence at court he was fined £1,100, ordered to pay costs of £1,405 and a victim surcharge of £440, a total of £2,945.

Should really have posted this official press release from Central Beds Council rather than the Luton Today press report above.

Just a few words different, but this below makes it clearer that the driver and vehicle were previously licensed by Central Beds, whereas the report above isn't 100 per cent clear in that regard.

On the other hand, this below isn't 100% clear either - read this strictly and the car could previously have been plated anywhere


Illegally collecting fares in Dunstable has cost a former taxi driver nearly £3,000

https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/ ... early_3000

Tuesday, 28 March 2023

On 21 March at Luton Magistrates Court, Mr Mohammed Saleem of John Street, Luton, was found guilty of illegally driving a previously licensed taxi without the required taxi driver's badge.

The court heard how our taxi licensing team received information and photos of a previously licenced hackney carriage parked on the West Street taxi rank in Dunstable.

Bedfordshire Police were informed about the vehicle being used as an unlicensed taxi and successfully pulled it over twice in August 2022. On both occasions, they seized the vehicle as the driver was unable to produce valid insurance.

Saleem was given two opportunities to attend a police interview under caution, but he did not respond to either invitation.

Saleem, who also failed to attend Luton Magistrates Court, was found guilty of all offences in his absence. He was fined £1,100, ordered to pay costs of £1,405 and a victim surcharge of £440, a total of £2,945.

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

If the numpty had pleaded guilty by post the bill would be about £1,000 less.

But then I suppose he wouldn't be a numpty.

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IDFIMH

Buying insurance and a badge would have been far cheaper.