A Hackney Carriage taxi driver, Abdul Rehman from Clydach Street in Grangetown, Cardiff, was ordered to pay just under £1000 last Thursday (January 17th) for three offences at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.
Firstly, for failing to use the meter, secondly for charging more that the authorised fare and lastly for failing to display his drivers’ badge.
Although the defendant was of previous good character, the Magistrates didn’t find Rehman a ‘credible witness’ and he was found guilty of all three charges.
Cllr Norma Mackie, Chairperson of the Public Protection Committee, said:
“The Council recognises that most taxi drivers provide a vital service to ensure the public can get home safely after a night out. When complaints are made, we will always investigate and take formal action if the evidence is recorded and presented to us. The Council also carries out mystery shopping exercises.
“We are pleased that the Court has levied a significant fine for these offences and we hope this acts as a deterrent for other drivers who may be tempted to operate outside their license conditions.
“We ask anyone who wants to make a complaint against a driver and is willing to give their evidence to committee, to contact us so we can take action.
“We do need some details, such as the driver number (on the badge on the windscreen), or the registration plate, the date, time and where the incident happened and report it to [email protected]
“If the Licensing Section does not receive sufficient information they are unable to take any action, so please report these incidents as soon as possible.”
Mr Rehman was fined a total of £360, ordered to pay costs of £600 and a victim surcharge of £30.
