Uninsured private hire driver unlawfully plied for trade

Faisal Zaieb of Saxon Road, Luton was fined £1,127 and had six points added to his driving licence after pleading guilty to the offence at Luton Magistrates Court.

He admitted a charge of plying for hire and having no insurance.

Mr Zaieb was driving a private hire vehicle and touting for trade at London Luton Airport.

Private hire vehicle drivers are only allowed to pick up people who have pre-booked. In case of an accident, neither the driver nor the passenger would be covered by insurance.

Cllr Don Worlding Chair of the Administration and Regulation Committee said: “Members of the public need to trust that private hire vehicles are operating legally with the correct licence and insurance to do so.

“Drivers must take responsibility for the safety of everyone they carry in their private hire vehicles.

“If a driver is illegally plying for hire or touting and driving without the correct insurance passengers have little or no legal protection.

“Luton Council’s main priority is ensuring the safety of the public and will therefore carry on with enforcement such as this to protect the public and to ensure drivers that abide by the rules are not disadvantaged by those that do not.

“The council also reminds residents for their own safety not to get into private hire vehicles without a prearranged booking.”

> If you suspect that a private hire vehicle is illegally plying for trade contact the Licensing Service on 01582 546040 or [email protected]