Three rule-breaking taxi drivers named and shamedThey've appeared in courtView Image Ironmarket, Newcastle (Image: Stoke Sentinel)A joint operation between Newcastle Borough Council and Staffordshire Police has resulted in three taxi drivers appearing in court. Liaqat Begum, of Kimberley Road, Etruria; Shaban Ali, of Ladywell Road, Tunstall; and Ardalan Ali, of Grove Place, Shelton, have all been given a conditional discharge. ‌On 27 April last year two plain clothes council officers approached the taxis in Newcastle town centre and asked if they were available. ‌Ardalan Ali had private hire plates registered with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Shaban Ali and Liaqat Begum had private hire plates registered with Wolverhampton City Council. Private hire plates mean that taxi journeys need to be booked in advance and cannot be hailed on the street.

Source: Daily Mirror March 25, 2026 16:55 UTC