A taxi driver who tried to solicit customers at the Henley Regatta without authorisation has been fined hundreds of pounds.

Ihsan Mehmood, 41, of York Road, Reading, was convicted of unlawful plying for hire and operating without the correct insurance.

He was caught in a sting operation by officers from South Oxfordshire District Council on June 30, 2023.

They determined that Mehmood was not properly insured to trade at the Regatta, ferrying customers to and from the event.

He appeared before Oxford Magistrates' Court on May 3, where he was fined £200.

In addition, he was ordered to pay a £160 victim surcharge, and £500 in prosecution costs.

His driving licence has been endorsed with six points.

On top of all this, magistrates warned Mehmood that Reading Borough Council could impose further fines.

Councillor David Rouane, South Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet member for legal and democratic services, said: "Another positive result for our enforcement team, who work hard to make sure unlicensed - and consequently uninsured - taxis are stopped from operating in our district.

"We often work with colleagues from neighbouring councils to make sure we can stop taxi drivers illegally plying for hire, and ensure the safety of our residents.

"South Oxfordshire District Council will look to prosecute any driver caught plying for hire.

"Such illegal activity will not be tolerated, and our team of licensing officers will continue to be vigilant and take legal action against anyone breaking the rules."