> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Taxi driver prosecuted after breach of rules at Trentham Lakes - URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/taxi-driver-prosecuted/ - Published: 2026-10-13T09:21:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-13T09:21:03.000Z - Description: A hackney carriage driver has been prosecuted after illegally picking up passengers in Stoke-on-Trent. - Author: The Staffordshire Signal Newsroom - Tags: Local News On 26 December 2025, Mr Dilshad Ahmed picked up a customer from a temporary match day taxi pick-up point at Trentham Lakes. Despite being licensed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, he picked up a passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent. Hackney carriages can only pick up passengers who hail them on the street or join them at a taxi rank within the area where they are licensed. They cannot ply for hire outside their own licensing district By picking up a passenger from a taxi rank in Stoke-on-Trent, Mr Ahmed was plying for hire outside his licensed district and committing an offence. As a result, his vehicle insurance was invalidated. Mr Ahmed also failed to use his taxi meter, instead charging the customer an upfront fare. Mr Ahmed, of Buccleuch Road, Longton, appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, where he pleaded guilty. 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.” Stoke-on-Trent City Council will continue to take enforcement action against drivers who breach licensing requirements and put passengers at risk. ![The Staffordshire Signal](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Logo-website-PNG-close-crop-green-4.png) Why the Signal exists ## Real news takes time. Thanks for taking yours. You've just read a story that took time to get right. No clickbait, no racing to be first, no ads chasing you down the page. I started The Staffordshire Signal because I got fed up of local news that chased clicks instead of stories. We're independent, not-for-profit, IMPRESS-regulated and owned right here, so we answer to nobody but you. > The honest bit: local news only survives if local people choose it. If we don't, it goes. Jenna GoodwinFounder and Editor, The Staffordshire Signal ### Love what we do? Buy us an oatcake! Cheese and bacon, if you're feeling generous. Every tip goes straight into local reporting. [Buy us an oatcake](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/#/portal/support) ### Miss a proper paper? Staffordshire's only regional printed magazine, full of stories worth sitting down with, delivered to your door. [Get it delivered](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/#/portal/signup) ### Follow on WhatsApp Our stories, dropped straight into your phone. No group chat chaos, we promise. [Join the channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) What's On ### Find something good to do this week Markets, gigs, history talks and family days out across Staffordshire. Running an event? Add it to our guide and let the county know. [See what's on](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/whats-on-staffordshire/) [Add your event](https://tockify.com/tkf2/submitEvent/34489ac1cc32425ba2102f15442f2949?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) For local businesses ### Run a Staffordshire business? Our readers keep the Signal going, and the businesses who advertise with us help keep it free for everyone. Reach people who read to the end, across our magazine, Signal Weekly, Signal TV and website. [Enquire about advertising](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise/)