Mr Zubair Akram, 43, of Boardman Road, Crumpsall, a hackney carriage driver registered with Manchester City Council, pleaded guilty to illegal ply for hire and driving without insurance after taking a fare in Trafford. Manchester Magistrates' Court imposed eight penalty points, a fine of £120, a victim surcharge of £48 and costs of £200. Trafford Council published the result on 2 November 2026. Trafford Council release
The pick-up
He had been waiting in his hackney carriage outside Hotel Football, Old Trafford, on the evening of Monday 24 November 2025, when Manchester United played Everton at home. The fare was from an undercover licensing enforcement officer. Akram warned them that a ride to Manchester city centre was "gonna be expensive", then set off. The officer revealed their identity and asked him to pull over.
Only hackney carriage drivers licensed by Trafford Council may pick up fares in the borough. The journey was uninsured and could put passengers at risk.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford's executive member for community safety and civil contingencies, put the result in these words. "This case highlights our continued determination to crack down on illegal taxi activity whenever it occurs.
"The vast majority of drivers comply with the rules. Those who seek an unfair advantage by operating outside the law will be held accountable. Thanks to our proactive Licensing Enforcement Team for bringing this case to court."