A TAXI driver who was illegally working in York has been fined.

City of York Council, responding to complaints by local taxi drivers, investigated Mohammed Nawaz, 25, of Cark Road Keighley.

Nawaz, who was driving for Uber, was illegally plying for fares in the city in the early hours of October 9 last year, York Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

The council presented video evidence which showed the driver accept a fare in George Hudson Street that was not pre-booked, contravening the terms of his license.

Nawaz admitted the offence, and was fined £79, and ordered to pay a court surcharge of £30 and full prosecution costs of £427.

Following the investigation, Uber said they had permanently closed Nawaz’s account with them, and the conviction will also be reported to Rossendale Borough Council, the driver’s licensing authority.

Cllr Sam Lisle, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods at City of York Council, said: "While we are lobbying for greater clarity over aspects of private hire legislation, it is very clear that the law does not permit drivers licensed for private hire to pick up passengers on the street who haven’t pre-booked a journey.

"Thanks to the co-operation of the operator, members of the trade and our taxi enforcement team, this verdict sends a clear message to the trade to abide by the law."