A driver has been ordered to pay a total of £3,416 and has been disqualified from driving for six months after being caught offering taxi services without the proper license.

Mr Mohammed Sajjad Khan of Bell House Road, Sheffield, was found to be offering taxi services by our Licensing Team in March last year, despite not holding a hackney carriage licence.

Though Mr Khan did hold a private hire drivers licence with Sheffield Council, this had been suspended at the time of the offence, and his vehicle was also found to have no insurance.

After failing to attend his court sentencing hearing on Thursday 20 February, Mr Khan was sentenced in his absence for plying for hire without a licence and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

Mr Khan was ordered to pay a total of £3,416, comprised of a £2,000 fine, costs of £440, and a victim surcharge of £976. For driving without insurance, his driving license was endorsed with eight penalty points, leading to a six-month disqualification.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “This is another great result for our Regulatory and Legal Services teams, who do fantastic work in taking action against those who offer services illegally or without the proper licenses.

“The safety of people who live in and visit our borough is a priority for us, and we’re committed to making sure that those who visit our town centre can enjoy a safe, enjoyable experience. Part of this means making sure that people have a safe journey to and from our town centre. Without the required licenses, there is no assurance that a vehicle or driver is safe or suitable, which is why it’s important for us to take action against those who offer taxi services illegally.”

You can find out more about hackney carriage and private hire vehicle licenses on our website.