A private hire driver has been fined over £2,000 after being caught illegally plying for hire during the Henley Royal Regatta.

Muhammad Naeem of High Wycombe was convicted in his absence at Oxfordshire Magistrates' Court on 13 December, after failing to appear.

The court heard that on the evening of 5 July, South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) licensing officers were conducting checks in Henley-on-Thames.

They observed a Toyota Auris in a prime location for picking up passengers leaving the Regatta, displaying a Buckinghamshire Council licence plate.

Undercover officers conducted a test purchase, offering to pay £60 for a ride to Reading without a prior booking. Naeem accepted the fare.

Naeem was not licensed by SODC, furthermore, the inflated fare indicated a clear intention for personal gain.

During a subsequent interview, Naeem admitted to accepting the fare and acknowledged his mistake. He also confirmed that his actions had invalidated his insurance policy.

The court fined Naeem £660 for illegally plying for hire and related offences, and his driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

He was also ordered to pay £1,092 costs, a £260 victim surcharge, bringing the total to £2,012, which must be paid within 28 days.

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A taxi driver was arrested for failing a roadside drug test for cannabis during a recent crackdown on taxi safety in County Durham.

The operation, a joint effort between Durham County Council, police, and the DVSA, saw 57 licensed vehicles stopped across Durham City, Darlington, Consett, and Chester-le-Street.

Suspected vehicles were directed to a specialised garage for comprehensive inspections, ensuring roadworthiness and compliance with safety regulations. Drivers were also checked to ensure they held the necessary licences.

Of the 57 vehicles stopped, 50 were referred to the garage for DVSA inspection.

In addition to the drug-related arrest, seven vehicles were found to have issues ranging from faulty tires and brakes to problems with taxi signs and engine management lights. Two drivers failed to present their vehicles for inspection.

Cllr John Shuttleworth of Durham County Council commended the majority of taxi drivers in County Durham for their compliance with licensing requirements and vehicle maintenance.

"This operation targeted the small minority who breach licensing regulations or operate unsafe vehicles," Cllr Shuttleworth stated.

"It serves as a reminder to all drivers of their responsibility to comply with licensing laws and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy."

The council emphasised that it will continue to collaborate with its partners to raise awareness of taxi safety regulations and take appropriate action against those who fail to comply.

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London Stansted Airport is set to revolutionise its drop-off experience in January with the introduction of an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system.

This new technology, mirroring the successful implementation at the Dartford Crossing, will allow drivers to seamlessly pass through the Express Set Down (ESD) area without the need to stop and pay at a barrier.

This move comes on the heels of a significant £1.1 billion government investment announced in October, paving the way for an airport extension.

"We've observed the effectiveness of ANPR systems in various settings, from bridges and toll roads to other airports," stated Anita Harrison, Stansted's Customer Operations Director.

"We are confident that this system will streamline the drop-off process and enhance the overall user experience."

The airport recently announced its capacity ambitions, aiming to accommodate between 48 and 51 million passengers annually by 2040. Ms. Harrison emphasised that the barrierless system will "significantly reduce driver wait times and improve passenger flow," contributing to a smoother journey for all travellers.

The new system will operate on a pay-by-midnight policy, meaning drivers will have until the following day to settle the drop-off charge.

The current charges remain unchanged: £7 for up to 15 minutes and £25 for longer durations.

Payment options will include online and phone transactions, with the added convenience of auto-pay accounts for frequent users, such as taxi drivers.

Stansted Airport has assured passengers that clear and prominent signage will be installed to inform them about the upcoming changes well in advance of the January implementation.

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A 56-year-old “highly regarded” advocate in Jersey has been sentenced to 130 hours of community service after drunkenly assaulting a taxi driver.

David Samuel Steenson pleaded guilty to common assault in the Magistrate's Court, admitting to punching the driver, who sustained multiple cuts and bruises to his face.

The incident occurred on November 13th after Steenson, who had been celebrating with colleagues, took a taxi home and Steenson talking amicably shortly before the incident.

Merry van Woodenberg, prosecuting, said that when they reached his home and the driver asked for payment, the atmosphere changed.

The driver is now fearful about returning to work following the attack and id nervous about the passengers he carries.

Defence attorney Paul Nicholls, said Steenson suffered from acute claustrophobia after an experience while potholing many years ago left him very nervous in enclosed spaces. He said: “One wonders why the taxi driver didn’t just let him out.”

Advocate Nicholls argued for community service, citing Steenson's remorse, impeccable character, and the fact that this was a first offence.

Magistrate Bridget Shaw acknowledged Steenson's remorse and the impact of his actions, stating, "I accept this was a panicked reaction."

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Wrexham residents are being warned to be vigilant against unlicensed taxis operating during the festive season, as police and council officials launch a joint crackdown.

Concerns have been raised about drivers illegally picking up passengers after Christmas nights out, particularly around busy bars and clubs.

To combat this, Wrexham Council enforcement officers will be working alongside North Wales Police to conduct spot checks throughout the Christmas period.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Public Protection, emphasised the dangers of using unlicensed taxis. "These drivers are not only uninsured but also unfairly compete with legitimate taxi operators," he said.

Sergeant Medwyn Williams of North Wales Police' Roads Crime Unit echoed these concerns. "We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas," he stated. "The safest way to get home after a night out is to pre-arrange a lift or book a licensed taxi."

Sergeant Williams warned against the risks of entering unlicensed vehicles. "You could be putting your safety at risk as you may not know who is driving or if the vehicle is safe," he cautioned.

He urged residents to always book taxis through reputable companies and to look for official taxi plates on vehicles.

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