A taxi firm worker who illegally drove customers in an inadequately insured car with a missing number plate has been banned from operating as a driver.

Ubaid Mushtaq's illegal fare was discovered after passengers travelling in his vehicle in June last year raised concerns about its condition and lack of number plate.

The journey from Abbots Langley to Croxley Green was in the 34-year-old’s own private vehicle, a Lexus.

It was not licensed with Three Rivers District Council and Mushtaq’s actual role at the Abbots Langley private hire operator was a call handler and dispatcher.

During a council probe, Mushtaq denied the journey was illegal and said he had given the ride as a “favour” because he was travelling home that way.

The council says it became aware of the journey after the passengers noticed Mushtaq’s vehicle appeared to have been involved in a collision as there was damage to the front, it had no front number plate displayed and a space saving wheel fitted to the front near side.  

At St Albans Magistrates Court on June 6, Mushtaq was found guilty of using a vehicle without a current licence and without an insurance policy.

He was ordered to pay £180 for each offence, £500 costs and a £36 victim surcharge totalling £896.

Mushtaq’s private hire driver licence has been revoked and his details added to the National Anti-Fraud Network database. He is not allowed to apply for any private hire or Hackney Carriage licences for five years.

Mushtaq was initially found guilty in his absence of these offences on October 27 last year. The case was reopened after Mushtaq stated he had not received the original summons. 

Cllr Roger Seabourne, the council’s lead member for community safety, said: “The council has a duty to ensure the general public are safe to travel in our district.

“In this instance, given the condition of the vehicle and the safety implications which could have resulted from using a private vehicle not fit for purpose, it was considered necessary and proportionate to prosecute.

“Hopefully this will be a warning to others who wish to use private vehicles when transporting passengers.”