Taxi driver fined for failing to comply

A taxi driver licensed by Cambridge City Council has been fined a total of £710 for obstructing an authorised officer.

The incident took place at Station Square on 1 May 2024 when a Milton Keynes City Council Licensing Officer approached Karl Stamper’s vehicle during routine taxi and private hire licensing checks. The driver refused to co-operate and got into his vehicle and drove away. Mr Stamper was later invited for interview with Milton Keynes City Council to explain his actions but he declined the invitation.

As a result, the city council took the matter to court. On 20 February 2025, Mr Stamper pleaded guilty to obstructing an authorised officer. He was subsequently fined £150; and must pay costs to the city council of £500 and a victim surcharge of £60.

Cambridge City Council will now review his hackney carriage driving licence.

Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr Mick Legg said:

“We don’t carry these inspections out for the sake of it – it’s to ensure that all taxi drivers have the appropriate license to carry passengers. This could have been easily avoided if the driver had simply complied which he was obliged to do. My thanks go to our licensing officers who regularly carry out checks to keep everyone safe.”