Driver banned and fined for offering illegal taxi rides at Henley Regatta

South Oxfordshire District Council has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to unlawful taxi operations after a driver was caught illegally plying for hire during Henley Regatta. 

Mr Arshed Abdul Aziz, 67, of Bruce Road, Woodley, Reading, appeared before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12 December when he pleaded guilty to: unlawfully plying for hire in Henley on 5 July 2025, failing to have the required motor insurance and failing to wear his council issued driver’s badge. 

Council officers carrying out checks spotted Mr Aziz’s vehicle displaying an illuminated taxi roof sign, suggesting it was available for hire.  During the subsequent test purchase, Mr Aziz quoted an inflated fare and later admitted he had no booking in Henley.  Subsequent investigations revealed he was uninsured and not licensed to pick up passengers without a booking within South Oxfordshire. 

Magistrates ordered Mr Aziz to pay a £336 fine, a victim surcharge of £96 and prosecution costs of £935 – bringing the total penalty to £1,271.  He was also banned from driving for six months and referred to his local licensing authority for them to take any further action in respect of his licences.  

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: 

“Henley Regatta attracts thousands of visitors each year and their safety is our top priority. Unlawful taxi activity puts passengers at serious risk – journeys are untraceable, uninsured and often overpriced.   We will not tolerate illegal taxis plying for hire in South Oxfordshire and will take robust action to protect the public.”