A private hire taxi driver has lost his licence after illegally picking up a Manchester United fan and his seven-year-old son outside Old Trafford and charging them £35 for a five-mile journey.
Rehan Mirza, 42, collected the pair at a taxi rank on Sir Matt Busby Way following United’s Premier League victory against Leicester City in November. He drove them to Manchester Piccadilly railway station but insisted on an inflated fare of £35, leaving the passenger suspicious.
Although the fan reluctantly paid, he later contacted Trafford Council’s licensing enforcement team to raise a complaint. The council launched an investigation, which confirmed Mirza had breached the rules governing private hire drivers.
At Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Mirza, of Crumpsall, Manchester, admitted to illegally plying for hire and driving without valid insurance. Private hire drivers are only permitted to collect passengers who have pre-booked journeys. Hackney carriage taxis, in contrast, can accept passengers without prior booking.
The court fined him £250 and ordered him to pay £300 in costs. Following the conviction, Trafford Council’s Licensing Sub Committee revoked his private hire licence at a hearing, which Mirza did not attend.
A Trafford Council spokeswoman condemned his actions, stating:
“Once again our licensing enforcement team has demonstrated a continued dedication to hold drivers, who put the public at risk, accountable for their actions. Only Trafford licensed Hackney vehicles can pick customers up without a pre-booked fare outside Old Trafford.”
Council officials stressed that unlicensed or unlawful taxi operations can put passengers in danger, particularly outside large venues such as Old Trafford, where demand for transport is high. The case was highlighted as part of wider enforcement efforts to protect public safety.
Manchester United also issued a statement in response to the incident. A club spokesman said:
“We’re sorry to hear about the experience of the father and son. Our advice to fans would be to only use licensed cabs or ride shares when travelling to or from Old Trafford. The stadium is also well-served by Metrolink tram services.”
The case has sparked renewed calls for fans to be cautious when leaving stadiums, where illegal operators often attempt to exploit heavy crowds. Supporters’ groups urged vigilance, reminding fans to use booking apps or official ranks to avoid risks.
Taxi regulation has long been a contentious issue in Greater Manchester, with councils under pressure to ensure passenger safety while managing growing competition between licensed Hackney carriages, private hire vehicles, and ride-hailing apps.
By revoking Mirza’s licence, Trafford Council underscored its commitment to strict enforcement, warning that similar breaches will not be tolerated. Officials said they would continue carrying out spot checks around stadiums, stations, and nightlife hotspots to deter unlawful activity.
For the Manchester United fan and his son, the journey ended without harm, but the incident served as a reminder of the potential risks posed by unlicensed fares. The council stressed that awareness and vigilance remain the best safeguards for passengers across the city.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
