Telford minicab driver caught plying for hire in undercover sting

Muhammad Qasim picked up undercover council officers on Newport High Street

A Telford minicab driver has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000 after picking up passengers without a booking.

Muhammad Qasim, 30, from Wellington admitted plying for hire and driving without valid insurance.

He was approached by undercover council officers in Newport and drove them to Donnington.

Telford & Wrekin Council said it would continue to target drivers operating outside the terms of their licences.

Private hire or minicab drivers are limited to picking up pre-booked fares. Only those with a Hackney carriage licence can be flagged down on the street.

Muhammad Qasim was fined by Telford magistrates

Telford magistrates ordered Qasim to pay fines and costs totalling £1,950; he was also given six points on his licence.

The deputy leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Richard Overton, welcomed the penalty against a "driver who chose to break the law and put the safety of passengers at risk".

He added that the authority would continue to target drivers who disregarded the rules and "undermined the vast majority of drivers who do stick to them".

Neighbouring Shropshire Council, which licensed Qasim, and West Mercia Police also backed the prosecution.