Taxi driver loses his licence after being reported – by another taxi driver

A taxi driver has lost his second appeal, after picking up a passenger without the necessary legal documents, prompting a warning to others to not make the same mistake.

The offence by Ahmed Al Ansar of Milton, Cambridge, came to light when the passenger – another taxi driver licensed with South Cambridgeshire District Council – reported him.

A time-stamped application showed Ansar quickly tried to apply online for a private hire licence, to cover himself, but the court did not believe his story.

Failing to have the required private hire licence meant his vehicle insurance was also invalidated and as a result his taxi driver’s licence was revoked.

Ansar, 36, immediately appealed the decision as he said it had been an accidental pick-up but lost his first appeal at Cambridge Magistrates Court in November 2023.

A year later, his second appeal failed in a hearing at Peterborough Crown Court where his licence was revoked, and he was ordered to pay costs of £2,551.

A further £1,967 costs was upheld from the first appeal.

Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

“Ensuring passenger safety is our highest priority. All private hire vehicles must be roadworthy and meet strict legal standards, as passengers place their trust in the drivers who transport them. The council has proven that this individual does not meet the standards of a fit and proper taxi driver, leading the court to revoke his licence. As the licensing authority, we are committed to protecting the public and maintaining the highest standards in private hire services.”

The council received a complaint in April 2021 alleging they’d been picked up in a vehicle with no plate displayed on the rear and no council issued or operator door signs.

When the passenger questioned this during the journey, Ansar claimed the vehicle had an exemption from displaying the signs – but was unable to produce an exemption certificate.

The passenger revealed they were also a licensed driver, aware of the law and licence conditions, and that he’d be making a complaint supported by photos of the vehicle and driver badge.

Ansar was offered two opportunities to attend an interview under caution, but on both occasions, he cancelled on the day.

With evidence and statement provided by the complainant, the Council’s Principal Licensing officer decided it was in the public interest to revoke Ansar’s licence and in court the Council proved the case on a balance of probabilities, which is the civil standard of proof.