Illegal cabbie given ASBO
A MAN with a long history of illegally posing as a cab driver has been slapped with an ASBO stopping him from touting on foot or in a vehicle anywhere in England and Wales.
The unprecedented ban has been handed to 53-year-old Shaffique Uddin of Ashgrove Road, Goodmayes.
He was convicted in June when plain-clothed members of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Cab Enforcement Unit spotted Uddin approaching members of the public.
He was disqualified form driving for three months after being found guilty of touting and driving with no insurance.
On August 20 he was charged and fined �65 for possession of cannabis during an appearance at Highbury Magistrates’ Court.
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He has now been issued with an ASBO.
It prohibits Uddin from applying for a private hire vehicle (PHV) or Hackney Carriage licence indefinitely, as well as displaying any sign in his car which would lead members of the public to believe he is driving a licensed cab.
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Chief Superintendent Joe Royle, of the Metropolitan Police’s safer transport command, said: “Illegal cabs and touting undermines the legitimate cab trade and raises the fear of crime.
“This sends out a clear message that we will continue to work with Transport for London, using a number of measures including ASBOs, to proactively target unlicensed and uninsured vehicles.”
Breaches of an ASBO are a criminal offence and are punishable by fine and or imprisonment of up to five years.
Steve Burton, director of community safety, enforcement and policing, said: “Illegal cab drivers undermine the legitimate cab trade and pose a serious danger to Londoners.
“This ASBO is a very encouraging result and should serve as a reminder to touts that police officers are out there cracking down on this illegal activity.
“Only black cabs can be hailed in the street. All minicab journeys that have not been booked through a licensed operator are illegal, uninsured and unsafe.”
