A Milton Keynes private hire driver has been fined £1,111 and given six DVLA penalty points after being found guilty of illegally picking up passengers during a council enforcement operation.
According to Milton Keynes Citizen, Loay Khojali was caught in a test purchase sting organised by Milton Keynes City Council’s taxi licensing team. He accepted a fare without a prior booking — an offence known as plying for hire.
Only licensed hackney carriage taxis are permitted to collect passengers without a pre-booking. Private hire drivers must operate through an approved operator or booking platform, and breaching this rule not only breaks licensing law but also invalidates insurance — leaving passengers unprotected in case of an accident.
Council officers said such enforcement operations are essential to maintain a fair and safe taxi trade across the city. Drivers found operating illegally face fines, penalty points, or even the loss of their private hire licence.
Khojali was ordered by the court to pay £1,111 in fines and costs, and was handed six points on his DVLA record.
DM News Commentary
This conviction serves as another reminder to private hire drivers nationwide of the risks involved in accepting unbooked fares. Local councils continue to increase undercover enforcement in response to complaints of illegal plying for hire, aiming to protect both legitimate drivers and passengers.
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