Two private hire drivers have been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates’ Court for illegally plying for hire (blagging) following a joint enforcement operation conducted by Milton Keynes and South Northants Councils.

Altin Haderaj, of Fishermead, accepted a £9 journey from Central MK to Fenny Stratford in March 2019 which had not been pre-booked. At the time Mr Haderaj’s vehicle was only insured for pre-booked journeys with operator Skyline. Mr Haderaj pleaded guilty by post on 2 August 2019 to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance. He was fined £123 for plying for hire; £369 for no insurance; given 6 points on his DVLA licence; and ordered to pay costs of £250 with a victim surcharge of £36. Mr Haderaj is licensed by Aylesbury Vale District Council and they will now review his licence as a result of this conviction.

Mohammed Aklasur Rahmant Liton of Oak Road, Luton had accepted a £10 journey from Central MK to Fenny Stratford in March 2019 which had not been pre-booked. Mr Liton’s vehicle was only insured for pre-booked journeys with operator Speedline at the time. Mr Liton attended Court on 2 August 2019 and pleaded guilty to plying for hire and driving without valid motor insurance. He was convicted and fined £255 for plying for hire; £510 for no insurance; given 6 points on his DVLA licence, and ordered to pay costs of £250 with a victim surcharge of £51. Mr Liton is licensed by Aylesbury Vale District Council and they will now review his licence as a result of this conviction.

Councillor Mick Legg, Chair of MKC’s Regulatory (Taxi) Committee said: "Licensed drivers are in a position of trust and members of the public expect that anyone driving a licensed vehicle has the correct licence and insurance to do so.

"These licensed drivers must take personal responsibility for the safety of everyone they carry in their private hire vehicles. Illegally plying for hire and driving without appropriate insurance cover means that passengers have little or no legal protection whilst travelling in these vehicles.

"I urge members of the public not to get into private hire vehicles without a prearranged booking with an operator for their own safety. We take the safety of the public very seriously as our number one priority and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who comprises public safety."