A taxi driver has been prosecuted after illegally picking up passengers in Stoke-on-Trent.

Despite being licensed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Mr Dilshad Ahmed, of Longton, picked up a customer from a temporary match day taxi pick-up point at Trentham Lakes.

He picked up the passenger from the Stoke-on-Trent taxi rank on 26 December 2025.

Hackney carriages can only pick up passengers who hail them on the street or join them at a taxi rank in the area they are licensed.

Mr Ahmed committed an offence by picking up a passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent, as he was plying for hire outside his licensed district.

His vehicle insurance was therefore invalidated.

Mr Ahmed also charged the customer an upfront fare, failing to use his taxi meter.

He appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, where he pleaded guilty.

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He was fined £325 and ordered to pay £851.92 in costs to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Following a guilty plea, the fine was reduced to £250.

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "People using taxis should be able to have confidence that they are getting a safe, reliable and professional service.

"We have clear rules in place to protect passengers and ensure licensed drivers operate properly, and we will take action when those rules are not followed.

"This prosecution sends a clear message that drivers must comply with licensing requirements and treat passengers fairly. We will continue to work to protect passengers and maintain confidence in the city's taxi services."

A spokesperson for the city council said: "Stoke-on-Trent City Council will continue to take enforcement action against drivers who breach licensing requirements and put passengers at risk."