A Bradford-licensed private hire driver has been fined and had his licence endorsed with penalty points after being caught illegally plying for hire in Leeds city centre.
Leeds City Council’s taxi and private hire licensing enforcement officers carried out the investigation which led to the prosecution of Aqib Hussain.
The incident took place on 12 April 2025, when Hussain, licensed in Bradford, was found to be unlawfully picking up passengers without a booking in Leeds. As a result, he was also driving without valid insurance.
The case was heard at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on 30 September 2025, where Hussain pleaded guilty to both offences.
He was fined £466, ordered to pay £420 in court costs, and his driving licence was endorsed with 8 penalty points.
Council stance on illegal plying for hire
Leeds City Council has repeatedly warned drivers that plying for hire without a Hackney Carriage licence is a serious offence. Only Hackney Carriages can legally pick up passengers without a pre-booking. Private hire drivers must be booked in advance through an operator.
Drivers who ignore these rules not only face prosecution but also risk invalidating their insurance, putting both themselves and their passengers at significant risk.
This latest conviction underlines the council’s ongoing commitment to cracking down on out-of-town private hire drivers operating illegally in Leeds.
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