Warning Issued Ahead of Busy Festival Weekend
Reading Borough Council is urging visitors to the Reading Festival to use only licensed and pre-booked taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) after another driver was fined for carrying passengers without a booking.
The case involved Abdul Mashud, a Transport for London-licensed PHV driver, who agreed to take undercover licensing officers from a petrol station near the festival site to Slough Train Station for £120 without a prior booking. The incident was caught on camera.
Court Outcome
At Reading Magistrates’ Court on 5 August 2025, Mashud pleaded guilty and was fined £399, ordered to pay a £160 surcharge, £1,500 in court costs, and received six penalty points on his driving licence—totalling £2,059.
This is the third successful prosecution of an illegal private-hire driver linked to last year’s Reading Festival.
Safety Risks of Unbooked Rides
The council warns that taking unbooked PHV journeys is illegal and potentially unsafe, as such trips may not be covered by insurance. They advise passengers to always book in advance through a licensed operator.
Councillor John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, stressed that safe travel is a top priority and urged festival-goers to follow official transport advice.
Official Pick-Up & Drop-Off Points
- Hackney carriages (black cabs): Tessa Road, opposite Rivermead Leisure Centre near Red Gate
- Private hire vehicles: Cremyll Road or Hill’s Meadow, George Street in Caversham
The Reading Festival, held over the August bank holiday, is expected to attract more than 105,000 visitors, making travel safety guidance a crucial part of event planning.
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