An Uber driver in Reading has been fined for illegally accepting fares without pre-booking, highlighting the importance of proper licensing.
He was supposed to only take pre-booked fares since he’s licensed by the New Forest District Council. But on June 1 last year, he was caught in an undercover sting on Oxford Road.
The licensing officers approached him, and he agreed to take them to Tilehurst for £15, which was a big no-no. To make matters worse, he wasn’t even wearing his taxi badge or displaying his license plate. His car looked just like any regular vehicle.
When he appeared in court on January 17, 2025, he admitted to illegally plying for hire and not having the right insurance. The court hit him with fines of £80 and £120, plus two more fines of £40 each for not wearing his badge and not showing his license plate.
All in all, he ended up with a total of £568 in penalties. The court also slapped eight points on his driving license for driving without valid insurance.
Councillor John Ennis from the Reading Borough Council commented on the situation, emphasizing the hard work of licensing officers in catching illegal drivers. He stressed that customers should always feel safe and trust that their drivers are properly vetted and licensed.
He also reminded everyone that while black cabs can be hailed or pre-booked, private hire vehicles must always be pre-booked. So, if you’re ever in doubt, check the license plate and the driver’s badge before hopping in.
If you have any concerns about taxis or private hire drivers, you can report them confidentially to the licensing officers via email or by calling the council contact center.
