Cabbie prosecuted for operating without the proper Taxi insurance

The Chronicle newspaper recently reported how Sahet Ali, a hackney carriage driver from Fenham, Newcastle, was found guilty of plying for hire outside his licensed area and of operating without proper insurance. He was caught in an operation carried out by Gateshead Council.  Two licensing officers hailed the cab as it made its way through Gateshead, before Ali proceeded to take them to a local hotel. He was fined £188 for illegally plying for hire, £188 for having no insurance and also received six penalty points. 

Gateshead Council head of development and public protection, Anneliese Hutchinson, said: “There have now been a number of successful prosecutions of taxi drivers illegally plying for hire in Gateshead since 2010. Mr Ali must take personal responsibility for the safety of everyone he carries in his hackney carriage vehicle.  Illegally plying for hire and driving without appropriate insurance cover means that passengers have potentially little or no legal protection while travelling in these vehicles.” Ms Hutchinson added: “I hope that licensed drivers from all areas are getting the message that their behaviour is simply unacceptable and Gateshead Council will continue to investigate these matters and prosecute offenders.”

Taxicabnews