Council prosecutes unlicensed taxi driver

An unlicensed taxi driver has been ordered to pay a £1,557 fine and had his driver’s licence endorsed with eight points, following an investigation by council licensing officers.

Abdul Musaher (35), of Bruce Street, Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2025 to driving a licensed ‘taxi’ vehicle after his licence had been revoked.

The investigation began after officers were contacted by South Yorkshire Police for help identifying the driver of a vehicle which had triggered a speed camera on the M1.

Mr Musaher was named by the vehicle’s owner, but he named another person as the driver in order to avoid points being added to his licence.

Mr Musaher was previously licensed by the council as a private hire vehicle driver, but his licence was revoked in 2021 after it was revealed he was being investigated by Humberside Police.

Licensing officers attended the office of Mr Musaher’s employer, Ashby Cars Ltd, where evidence was seized confirming that he had carried out 543 journeys for the company after his licence was revoked.

He had committed 543 offences under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. Each of these journeys would also have been uninsured, which is a separate offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

In court, Mr Musaher admitted carrying out all 543 journeys and also lying to police. He was ordered to pay a £1,557 fine and his licence was endorsed with eight points.

This took him to 17 points, which is over the threshold for disqualification, however, the Court resolved that he could continue to drive due to family circumstances.

Separate action was taken against Ashby Cars Ltd following another investigation by licensing officers.

Their Private Hire Operator’s Licence was revoked, along with all vehicle licences held by the company.

Councillor Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for licensing, said:

“This irresponsible and illegal behaviour will not be tolerated, as it leaves people at risk through uninsured journeys and breaks trust and confidence in our responsible businesses.

“The council has clear expectations and high-quality standards, which we will enforce as necessary, to make sure that our communities can safely and confidently travel across North Lincolnshire.

“Licensing will continue to act against unsuitable drivers and unlicensed activity, to ensure that public safety is not compromised.”