Tewkesbury private hire driver prosecuted for illegally plying for hire

Tewkesbury Borough Council has successfully prosecuted a private hire driver for illegally plying for hire.

On Monday, 9 December 2024, Omer Shahzad, 36, of Windyridge Road, Cheltenham, pleaded guilty to plying for hire on 13 March 2024. Mr Shahzad, a licensed private hire driver, was seen picking up a fare in Cheltenham that was not pre-booked.

On 30 September at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, Mr Shahzad pleaded not guilty to the offence, but at a hearing changed his plea to guilty.

He was fined £1,000 with a victim surcharge of £400, and costs of £1,000 were awarded to the council.

The prosecution was brought by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Licensing team, with assistance from the council’s Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and One Legal, a legal service shared by Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council. The prosecution followed a complaint from a member of the public.

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, Councillor Sarah Hands, said

“Tewkesbury Borough Council is committed to ensuring the safety and legality of private hire services in our community. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activity and will take decisive action to protect the public.

“I commend our Licensing team, the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, and One Legal for their diligent work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”