An unlicenced taxi driver who picked up a Manchester United fan and his seven-year-old son after a match has been fined after the man complained to Trafford Council’s Licensing Enforcement Team.
Private hire taxi driver Rehan Mirza was waiting in his Mercedes at a Hackney Carriage rank on Sir Matt Busby Way outside Old Trafford after United’s win against Leicester City in November last year.
The pair were taken to Manchester Picadilly Station as requested but Mr Mirza’s insistence that the journey cost £35 made the man suspicious. He paid up – but then contacted the Council.
An investigation found Mr Mirza, 42, of Chudleigh Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, had been illegally plying for fares at the rank and driving without insurance. Private hire drivers can pick-up only pre-booked passengers.
Mr Mirza pleaded guilty in Manchester Magistrates Court after his private hire licence was revoked in his absence at a meeting of Trafford Council’s Licensing Sub Committee.
The court fined him £250 with a surcharge of £100 and he was ordered to pay costs of £300.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said:
“Once again our Licensing Enforcement Team has demonstrated a continued dedication to hold drivers, who put the public at risk, accountable for their actions.
“Only Trafford licensed Hackney vehicles can pick customers up without a prebooked fare outside Old Trafford. Our enforcement team continue to proactively patrol Old Trafford on match days and respond to complaints to ensure decisive action is taken where necessary.”
Posted on Tuesday 30th September 2025