Sayfur Rahman, of Aylesbury Road, Wendover, was caught plying for hire in his private hire vehicle, which should only pick up pre-booked passengers.

The offence came to light during a test purchasing operation in Aylesbury town centre involving officers from the council's licensing team. Licensed private hire drivers were approached, without prior booking, and asked to take officers to previously set destinations.

Rahman was caught after picking up two plain clothed officers outside Sainsbury's in Buckingham Street and agreeing to take the passengers to the Watermead Inn, where they were met by an officer from the council's licensing department. The defendant was cautioned and questioned by the officer.

At a hearing at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court on 8 May, Rahman pleaded guilty to plying for hire and was fined £150. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and £100 costs.

Cllr Judy Brandis, Chairman of the AVDC Licensing Committee, said: "This will be a warning to other private hire drivers operating in Aylesbury. Agreeing to take anyone to any destination without prior booking is a criminal offence. Only hackney carriages are licensed to pick up unbooked customers. This sort of action is not only detrimental to passengers since they will not be insured, but also harms the reputation of the overwhelming majority of taxi drivers who abide by the law."

She added: "Following this conviction the licensing team will have to decide whether this driver is a fit and proper person to hold a private hire licence."