Taxi driver has appeal dismissed

A COURT has upheld a decision by a council to revoke the licence of a private hire driver who was operating illegally during Henley Royal Regatta last year.

Shabuddin Parvas of Cressingham Road, Reading, appeared before Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday last week.

He was appealing a decision made by Reading Borough Council to revoke his licence after he was caught plying for hire during a multi-agency covert operation, which included the council’s licensing enforcement officers.

Parvas offered to transport six passengers from Henley to Reading for £60, without prior booking, on July 5, 2024.

The court dismissed the appeal and Parvas was ordered to pay £700 towards court costs incurred by the council.

Councillor John Ennis, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said the council will continue to ensure visitors to the event are kept safe and the result sends a “strong message” that illegal activity won’t be ignored.